Skype to Go reaches out to landlines

Global VoIP giant Skype has enhanced its existing Skype to Go service to enable users to landline-to-landline direct-dial and number-saving capabilities.

The enhancement essentially makes Skype a portable service that does not require a broadband Internet connection, does not require an additional application download--assuming you already have a Skype subscription or Skype credits—and which can be used on any mobile or landline phone. The service converts any phone number in any of the 18 countries it is available into a local number, and up to nine Skype to Go numbers can be saved on a phone. Regular Skype rates apply for the calls.

VoIP services and other landline competitors have gradually been making strides to leverage the remaining market of landline phone connections, rather than force them completely into extinction. Another variation on that strategy recently was announced by Verizon Wireless with the launch of its Home Phone Connect service.

There may be good reason to work with existing landlines—the Federal Communications Commission recent noted that there were still 127 million switched access landlines in use in the U.S. at the end of 2009.