Lexi Webster
Skype is a widely-used, free application for making computer-to-computer calls, as well as text, voice, and video chat with other Skype users. However, users must pay a fee to call mobile, landline, and international numbers. This can be done through a subscription or Skype credit, which works like mobile phone pay-as-you-go credit. Skype is retiring in May 2025, but users can continue to access their accounts by signing into Microsoft Teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of using Skype in Australia | Free for computer-to-computer calls, text, voice, and video chat with other Skype users. Calling mobile or landline numbers within Australia or internationally is charged at varying rates. |
| Cost of calling Australian numbers | Landlines: 2.5c per minute; Mobiles: 10.7c per minute; Text messages: 11.8c per minute, plus a connection fee. |
| Cost of subscription for calling Australian numbers | $3.79 per month |
| Cost of subscription for international calling | Unlimited calls to the US: $7.99 per month |
| Other features | Can be installed on computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. |
| Limitations | Limited emergency calling capabilities. |
| Alternative | Skype is retiring in May 2025. Users can sign in to Microsoft Teams with their Skype credentials to access chats and contacts. |
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What You'll Learn
Skype is retiring in May 2025
Skype, the video-calling service owned by Microsoft, will be retired as of May 5, 2025. This change will impact both free and paid users, except for Skype for Business. The retirement of Skype comes as Microsoft shifts its focus to Microsoft Teams, which offers many of the same core features as Skype, including messaging, file sharing, and one-on-one and group calls.
Microsoft has provided clear instructions for Skype users to transition to Microsoft Teams Free. Users can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free on any supported device using their Skype credentials, and their contacts and chats will automatically be transferred. Additionally, users will receive a notification in the Skype app prompting them to take action to migrate their data. For those who do not wish to transition to Microsoft Teams Free, there is the option to export their Skype data.
It is important to note that existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 2025, and will remain active until the end of the active subscription period. After this date, users can transfer or port their Skype Number to a new carrier by reaching out to the new carrier directly to initiate the porting process.
The decision to retire Skype is part of Microsoft's strategy to streamline its consumer communications services. While Skype was once a pioneering platform in internet-based communication, the rise of competing platforms such as WhatsApp and Zoom, along with Microsoft's own shift towards Teams, contributed to Skype's decline. As of early 2023, Skype had 36 million daily users, a significant decrease from its peak of 300 million in 2013.
As Skype retires, users have the option to transition to Microsoft Teams or explore alternative video-calling services such as Google Meet, Discord, or Slack, each offering its own unique features and capabilities.
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Calling landlines and mobiles in Australia is charged at a fee
Skype is a widely-used, free application best known for making computer-to-computer calls. However, calling landlines and mobiles in Australia is charged at a fee. There are two ways to pay for Skype-to-phone-number calls: Skype credit and subscription.
Skype credit is similar to mobile phone credit, where you pay as you go. Landline calls in Australia cost 2.5 cents per minute, mobile calls cost 10.7 cents per minute, and text messages cost 11.8 cents per minute, plus a connection fee.
Subscriptions are ideal for those who use their Skype account to make calls regularly. Calling both landlines and mobile numbers in Australia costs $3.79 per month. This is much cheaper than the price of an average phone plan.
Skype can be installed on your computer, tablet, smartphone, and smart TV, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected with friends and family in Australia and internationally.
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Skype-to-Skype calls are free
For example, if you want to use Skype to call a landline or mobile number within Australia, you have two payment options: Skype credit or a subscription. With Skype credit, you pay as you go, and calls to Australian landlines cost 2.5 cents per minute, while calls to mobiles cost 10.7 cents per minute. Text messages cost 11.8 cents per minute, plus a connection fee. Alternatively, you can purchase a subscription for AUD 3.79 per month, which allows you to make unlimited calls to both landlines and mobile phones in Australia.
Subscriptions are ideal if you plan on making frequent calls. For example, if you have family or friends overseas and want to keep in regular contact, international subscriptions offer great value. With an international subscription, you can make unlimited calls to certain countries at a fixed monthly rate. For instance, unlimited calls to the US cost just $7.99 per month.
Skype is a widely-used, free application that allows you to make computer-to-computer calls and is available on various devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues, both locally and internationally.
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Subscriptions are available for frequent users
Skype is a free application that is well-known for its computer-to-computer calling capabilities. It can be installed on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. While Skype-to-Skype voice, video, and text chats are completely free, calling landlines, mobile phones, or international numbers incurs a fee.
For frequent users who make calls regularly, Skype offers subscriptions that can provide significant savings compared to traditional phone plans. These subscriptions are ideal for those who use Skype to make calls often and want to keep in regular contact with others in Australia or overseas.
The Australian subscription, which includes unlimited calls to both landlines and mobile numbers within the country, costs $3.79 per month. This is a cost-effective option, especially when compared to the average phone plan rates. For context, landline calls made within Australia using Skype credit cost 2.5 cents per minute, while mobile calls cost 10.7 cents per minute, with an additional connection fee for text messages.
International subscriptions offer even greater value for those with frequent overseas communication needs. For example, unlimited calls to the US are available for just $7.99 per month. This option is perfect for staying connected with family, friends, or business colleagues located abroad.
Skype subscriptions provide a convenient and affordable solution for frequent callers, offering unlimited domestic and international calling options at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone plans. With its upcoming retirement in May 2025, users can continue to access their Skype chats and contacts by signing into Microsoft Teams with their Skype credentials.
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Skype is a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone plans
Skype is a widely-used, free application that is well-known for its computer-to-computer calling functionality. It can be installed on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs, making it a convenient option for many users. In addition to its free services, Skype also offers the ability to call landlines and mobile phones, both locally and internationally, for a fee.
When compared to traditional phone plans, Skype provides a cost-effective alternative. For example, in Australia, the cost of calling landlines through Skype is 2.5 cents per minute, while mobile calls are priced at 10.7 cents per minute, and text messages at 11.8 cents per minute (plus a connection fee). These rates are significantly lower than the average mobile plan, making Skype an attractive option for those looking to reduce their phone expenses.
The convenience and affordability of Skype extend beyond local calls. For those with friends, family, or business contacts overseas, Skype offers international subscriptions that provide excellent value. For instance, unlimited calls to the US are available for just $7.99 per month. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who wish to stay connected with loved ones or colleagues abroad without incurring high international calling charges.
Skype's pay-as-you-go credit system, known as Skype Credit, further enhances its cost-effectiveness. This system allows users to pay only for what they use, similar to mobile phone credit. Additionally, for frequent callers, Skype offers subscription plans that provide even greater savings. With its combination of free services, low-cost calling options, and international accessibility, Skype presents a compelling alternative to traditional phone plans, helping users save money without compromising on connectivity.
It is important to note, however, that Skype is not a complete replacement for a telephone service, as it has limited emergency calling capabilities that vary depending on the user's country. Nonetheless, with its retirement planned for May 2025, users can continue to access their chats and contacts by signing into Microsoft Teams with their Skype credentials.
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Frequently asked questions
Skype is a free application that can be used for text, voice, and video chat with other Skype users. However, if you want to call Australian mobile or landline numbers, you will be charged a fee.
To call Australian landlines and mobiles that are not Skype numbers, it costs 2.5c and 10.7c per minute, respectively. Text messages cost 11.8c per minute, plus a connection fee.
Yes, there is a subscription plan that costs $3.79 per month and allows you to call both landlines and mobile numbers in Australia without any additional per-minute charges.
