LUXEMBOURG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–KDDI Corporation and Skype™, a leading provider of Internet communications software, today announced a strategic alliance that will integrate Skype across KDDI’s services, starting with its mobile offerings – “au”.
“We look forward to working closely with Skype to extend these benefits beyond mobile to broadband, fixed line and cable, and thereby maximize the satisfaction of our customers in every area of our business.”
Skype will initially be made available on the au Android™ smartphone “IS03” and “IS01” from November this year; with plans for deeper integration on a range of au Android devices as well as BREW devices in 2011.
Under the partnership, the two companies have created a whole new communications experience for Japanese users, offering them a superior, high quality and innovative way to connect with friends and family both domestically as well as internationally.
Japanese customers on the KDDI network can bring their Skype conversations with them wherever they go and stay connected with their friends at all times by sending and receiving Instant Messages with the Skype app running in the background. At launch, users will also be able to make unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user in Japan and around the globe without being charged against their monthly minute allowance or data plan1. Skype uses KDDI’s voice network for Skype-to-Skype calls, giving users a reliable connection and top-notch call quality.
KDDI customers with data plans will also be able to enjoy the following Skype features on their au device:
- Have the Skype app “always on” and see your friends’ online status at any time
- Enjoy unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls
- Stay connected via Instant Messaging
- Call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates
- Participate in group chats and conference calls
“Skype™ on au is a breakthrough in giving customers in Japan unlimited, global communications options, while expanding their calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users worldwide,” said Mr. Takashi Tanaka, Senior Vice President, member of the board of KDDI. “We look forward to working closely with Skype to extend these benefits beyond mobile to broadband, fixed line and cable, and thereby maximize the satisfaction of our customers in every area of our business.”
“Skype is pleased to partner with KDDI to deliver a high quality, innovative communications experience for Japanese consumers,” said Skype interim CEO, Adrian Dillon. “KDDI’s position as a leading network provider in Japan that offers a wide range of communications services, makes it a natural partner for Skype given our vision to make Skype available everywhere and enable users to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go.”
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Customers interested in learning more about Skype™ on au devices can pre-register at http://www.skype.com/go/skype-on-au. Additional information about the service will be available next month.
Visit http://www.kddi.com for more information about KDDI. Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com or follow the company at http://twitter.com/skypemobile.
About KDDI
KDDI, as a comprehensive communications company offering both fixed-line and mobile communications services, strives to be a leading company during changing times.
For individual customers, KDDI offers its mobile communications (au mobile phone) and fixed-line communications (broadband Internet/telephone) services under the brand name “au”, helping to realize FMBC (Fixed Mobile and Broadcasting Convergence). And for business clients, KDDI provides all services in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) realm, from FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergence) networks to data centers, applications, and security strategies, to help clients strengthen their businesses.
About Skype
Skype is a software-based communications platform that offers high-quality, easy-to-use tools for both consumers and businesses to communicate and collaborate globally through voice, video and text conversations. Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg, our mission is to be the communications platform of choice around the world. We enable users with virtually any Internet-connected device to communicate with each other by voice, video and instant message for free, or make low cost voice calls to fixed or mobile numbers virtually anywhere in the world. We had 124 million average monthly connected users for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and our users placed 95 billion calling minutes over Skype in the first half of 2010, approximately 40% of which were video. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.
1 Data plan charges apply when initiating/receiving a call but cease to apply once the voice call is established.
