With Microsoft having dug deep to find billions of dollars to acquire Skype, it was inevitable we’d be seeing a lot more from the foremost online telecommunications outfit, and to supplement the many improvements to the software and technology laid on by Skype over the past twelve or so months, the company has just launched prepaid cards in many major retail outlets across the United Kingdom.
Given the presence Skype has – Microsoft buyout or not, it’s strange consumers haven’t been able to pick up a voucher / card with Skype credits long before now. The likes of iTunes and Starbucks have been offering them in major supermarkets for years, but now, those spending prolonged amounts of time calling, messaging, and video chatting with friends, relatives and business associates have another convenient way to keep their account healthily topped-up.
The prepaid card format is usually aimed to those without access to a credit or debit card. Not only are they useful for children, but they can also be used as great gifts – particularly for those you spend a great deal of time Skyping. The cards will initially be offering £10 top-ups, with £20 denominations also arriving throughout major UK retailers such as Asda, Currys, PC World, Sainsburys and WHSmith.
Both the £10 and £20 prepaid cards will be redeemable through Microsoft, and while some countries – notably Mexico – have already gotten a prepaid card scheme up and running for Skype, further nations are expected to be added in the next couple of months.
As well as grabbing out-and-out credit, those grabbing Skype prepaid credit will be able to use it to purchase Skype subscriptions, many of which offer great value for money if you’re a power user of the service. An unlimited worldwide calling package can be had for just £8.49 per month, and if you’re accustomed to paying the prices some carriers and landlines can often charge, you may really want to take Skype into consideration.
Some analysts saw the purchase of Skype by Microsoft as one of the biggest mistakes since AOL paid 800 million for Bebo, but the Redmond company, in its defense, has been fairly forthright in upgrading and improving the service, and with Windows Phone 8 now on the horizon, appears to be turning the proverbial screw at just the right time.
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