Voice over IP (VoIP) software maker Skype has announced that all France-based Skype users can make unlimited calls to landlines in France for free, now through December 31, 2006.
The calls are routed through Skype’s SkypeOut service, which enables users to make phone calls to any landlines or cell phone number using the Skype software and a computer. Users purchase “credits” which are used to pay per minute fees for outbound calls to landlines and cell phones. Using just the Skype software, Skype users can message and call each other for free.
This promotion removes the cost of making SkypeOut calls to users in France who want to call French landline numbers — it’s similar to a promotion Skype offered to North American users this May. Charges remain in effect for French SkypeOut users who wish to make calls to landlines elsewhere, or cell phones.
Skype works on a variety of platforms, including Mac OS X.