Skype on Monday launched an aggressive $9.95-a-month international calling plan for U.S. customers that includes landlines and some cell phone calls to 34 countries. The action by the eBay unit comes just days after eBay’s chief executive John Donahoe indicated the auction company will seek to find and improve synergies between the VoIP calling unit and eBay’s core auction operation. The Financial Times also reported that Donahoe indicated that eBay would “reassess” Skype if its “synergies” with the auction company aren’t strong. When eBay acquired Skype, the auction company envisioned sellers and buyers on its popular auction site calling each other over Skype. That activity never gained traction and eBay subsequently wrote off $1.4 billion of the $4.3 billion it paid for Skype.

Skype has continued to thrive and grow with more than 309 million global subscribers using the system for VoIP phone calls, instant messages, and now video calls. Skype built its success on undercutting the prices of established telecom providers, and the VoIP business is continuing that policy with the $9.95 plan it announced Monday along with a variety of other calling plans among 34 countries. The plans cover most European countries, North America, and many Asian countries. For U.S. subscribers, a $5.95-a-month plan covers all of North America as well as major Mexican cities. Skype currently offers a $3-a-month plan for North American calls.

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While I don't use the Skype service, I have been using VoIP services for the last two years for both business and personal use. My total monthly fees or all of them is just $59 and that includes every feature that a telco can offer as well as FAX services and toll free number support. I can call into my number from anywhere and call out as if I was sitting at my desk. I can have my extensions forwarded to anywhere in the world at no additional charge. I currently have 35 extensions and Interactive voice response menus and call queues for business use. When my Daughter was at college, I created her an extension for my home number which meant that not only could she call me for free, but her friends were able to call her by using the home telephone number and selecting her extension, all without ever ringing my home phone. When she needed to study, she turned on do not disturb and a call would go directly to her voicemail, which would then send the message to her email and blackberry.

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