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Skype considers ads to keep service free
Skype is seriously considering introducing advertising to keep its popular Internet calling and video chat services free, according to the company's CEO. Skype's Josh Silverman told The Telegraph that any advertising the company does take on will be tasteful. That's good, because I don't think users would put up with ads interrupting their conversations with friends and family members on the other side of the world.On the other hand, if the advertising is subtle, I think users who already rely on Skype for free and cheap calls will absolutely stick with the service. As long as ads don't affect usability, people will understand that Skype needs money to keep connections reliable and continue introducing new features. Speaking of new features, five-way video calls are scheduled to hit the Windows version of Skype next week.
Comments
6
Subscribe to commentsFox318May 12th 2010 10:11AM
I love skype. It's such a great service. Couldn't imagine being without it.
William WolfMay 12th 2010 10:54AM
I may be a little confused but can't they just use user's internet connection, aka P2P, to keep call connection stable.
TaaiMay 12th 2010 12:17PM
As far as I know, it already does! So, they don't need that much money to keep the service, because it uses mostly users' computers. But still somehow the company is worth billions...
AnthonyMay 12th 2010 4:43PM
I believe what they need to pay for is the connections to the regular PSTN services. The prices people pay right now are rock bottom and don't seem like they would be enough to keep the service afloat.
Honestly, though, I'd like to see Microsoft take over Skype. They have the resources, and they could integrate it well with Exchange, Outlook, and Office Communications Server/Communicator.
ChuckMay 12th 2010 12:59PM
All the calls I make, average less then 1 a day, I leave Skype running 24/7 and pay the $2.95/month + pay for a SkypeIN number. If they stick ads in my face, I'm done. Google is hopefully coming out with a client to replace Gizmo5 to work with Google Voice anyway, /wave skype.
mimikMay 13th 2010 4:54AM
Users with a monthly subscription or available 'skype credits' should be exempt. We're already a source of income for them!.