Skype and Telefonica have each introduced small innovations on the voice market. Skype's new (paid) service is called Skype To Go. It allows users to assign local phone numbers to up to nine contacts. The service is available for calls from 18 countries, and the cost of calls is debited from existing Skype prepaid credit or a subscription plan. No computer is needed, and calls are possible from any type of phone. This cuts costs, although termination and international transport still have to be paid. What's new is Skype trying to capture a part of the telephony market that previously evaded it. It's no longer about Skype-ing on a computer or smartphone, but calling from any given phone.
Telefonica is introducing in Spain 'La Segunda Line' for its mobile customers, offering a second number on the same Sim card so they can split personal and business calls. The second line has a fixed prefix (22). The service is completely free and starts on 15 March. Telefonica offers a bit of convenience with this service, eliminating the need for a second handset or Sim card.
There aren't many new developments on the voice market, apart from HD voice and unified communications, as most industry effort these days goes to other products (mobile broadband, apps, HSPA, LTE etc). So it's nice to see that every once in a while something new comes along. For Skype, it also means an expanded income base, especially important as reports point to an IPO for the company with a valuation of USD 5-6 billion.
