About Skype
Skype is a telecommunications software initially released in August of 2003. The software was developed by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, in cooperation with members of the Kazaa music sharing software team; Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn. Microsoft has owned Skype since 2011. Skype is available in 108 languages and allows users to communicate via the internet with video and voice calling between computers, tablets, mobile devices, smartwatches, and Xbox console devices. Users may also utilize Skype’s instant messaging service to communicate via text, video or audio message, or images.
Skype accounts may communicate to other Skype user accounts at no cost simply by signing up for the service and downloading the software on their computer, console, tablet, or smartphone. However, Skype also offers some paid services for users. Users may sign up for a Skype number. Skype numbers are local numbers that can be dialed by any phone and will route the call to the number owner’s Skype application. These numbers are available for $6.50 per month billed every 30 days, $18.53 for 3 months billed every 90 days, or $52.26 per year billed annually. Skype number subscriptions will automatically renew at the end of each billing period. Skype also allows customers to purchase minutes to use their Skype account to call mobile or landline phones. Plans vary by country and may include unlimited minutes or a specified number of minutes each month. Prices range from $2.99 per month for the United States only to $13.99 per month for unlimited minutes to 70 different countries. These subscriptions also renew automatically each month. All Skype subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. Please see the additional information included below for more advice on how to cancel your Skype subscription.