Mobile operator 3 is offering free calls and messaging to customers who have an account with (voice over internet protocol) provider Skype. John Collins reports

The mobile group has signed an exclusive deal with the eBay-owned internet communications company to produce the 3 Skypephone which will provide free calls to other Skype users at the push of a button. The 3 Skypephone is a fully featured 3G phone which can also be used to make calls over normal mobile phone networks and access 3's other internet services.

Skype is different to standard VoIP systems because it is a form of peer-to-peer software which enables users to call each other for free from their PCs using a headset and microphone.

While it has been possible for more technical users to install a version of the Skype software on their mobile phone, relatively few have done this. Handset manufacturers and mobile operators have also discouraged the practice.

There are some two million registered Skype users in Britain and Ireland. Robert Finnegan, managing director of 3 Ireland, estimates that about 400,000 of those are in the Republic. Skype has a total of 246 million users worldwide.

"When people realise that they can make international calls for free with the Skypephone we expect a very strong take-up," said Mr Finnegan.

It is understood that the handsets, which are manufactured by Qualcomm, will retail for less than €150. It uses Qualcomm's Brew platform to enable Skype to work with core handset features such as address book and messaging.

The Skypephone will be available to both contract and pre-pay customers. Mr Finnegan said pre-pay customers will be able to make free calls as long as their account is in credit.

The Skype software on the phone will synchronise with an account set up by the user on their PC. Anybody who doesn't already use Skype can create a Skype account on their PC or directly from their 3 Skypephone.

Mr Finnegan said Ireland would be one of the first markets to get the 3 Skypephone and he expects it to be in shops in two weeks time.

He said he expected other operators would now have to look at offering a similar service.

"They followed us on roaming, mobile broadband, upgrading out network to UMTS, and increasing our 3G coverage, so I have no doubt they will follow us on this," said Mr Finnegan.

Mr Finnegan said 3 has signed up 40,000 customers for its mobile broadband product which launched in June.