Verizon To Offer Skype Calling On Featurephones, With A Catch

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Using Skype Mobile is a popular way to get free (or low-cost) calling on your mobile handset. Verizon currently offers it for their Android and BlackBerry offerings, they’re now going to offer it for their featurephone customers, with the catch that you’ll have to use it on Verizon 3G, not WiFi.

Pundits on the internet are baffled as to why Verizon is blocking WiFi when allowing it would take some bandwidth load off of Verizon’s wireless network. The obvious answer is that Verizon wants to have their thumb on the Skype usage, and doesn’t want their customers to get any ideas about a Verizon-free world (“Hey, I can use this Skype on my computer – what do I need Verizon for?”)

Jennifer Byrne, Director at Verizon Wireless said this:

Skype mobile from Verizon Wireless not only takes advantage of the reliability and breadth of our wireless network, but it’s also proving to be a great option for military families with loved ones stationed overseas, people with relatives in Asia or South America, and businesses with a global presence. And, with the World Cup starting soon, there’s no better way to talk or chat about the action with far-flung fans and family than Skype mobile

A bit disappointing that they’re not allowing customers to use the faster WiFi service for calls, but something is better than nothing, right?