Skype partners with Boingo

IP telephony provider Skype is creating Skype Zones, an offering under which Skype users can use Boingo Wireless Wi-Fi access hot spots for voice calling.

The Skype Zones will enabled Skype's users to access their voice-over-IP features at 18,000 Wi-Fi hot spots worldwide using a customized Skype version of the Boingo software. Unlimited Wi-Fi access for Skype calls is available for $7.95 per month, though the companies emphasized that it is a beta service, and that terms and availability may change.

The Boingo software has a Wi-Fi sniffer, connection management and roaming authentication capabilities. Once connected, users of the Skype Zones can make Skype calls and access key features such as presence, global user directory, contact lists and instant messages with the Skype software.

"Partnering with Skype demonstrates the evolution of public-access Wi-Fi to include VoIP and other value added applications by allowing greater connectivity and productivity on the move," said David Hagan, Boingo president and CEO. "Skype's convenience and call quality have made it as important to travelers as e-mail, and we expect Skype usage to increase traffic and revenue at our network of hot spots."