Skype on iPhone: The Facts

While Skype for iPhone seems to be a handy application for Skype users, it still has a long way to go before it can provide users with the best Skype experience while on the go.

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Although the application allows free Skype-to-Skype calls or low-cost Skype calls to mobiles and landlines, this feature will only work if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. The only functions that will work while connected on the 3G network are: signing into Skype, updating a contact list, maintain and update presence, and send/receive instant messages.

According to Skype’s Chief Operating Officer, Scott Durchslag, VoIP via 3G is not possible as it is a limitation of Apple’s App Store terms of service. However, some reports claim that VoIP via 3G will be available as soon as the 3.0 version hits.

And because you cannot run programs in the background, a user will be forced to keep the program running if he/she wants to receive calls and messages. Users with SkypeIn can only receive calls only when the app is running, which is not good at all.

Other complaints include: mobile calls still coming through even if users are talking to another person via Skype, no SMS feature, and no voicemail feature.

As of this time of writing, the Skype software has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars (with 151 users rating the app). The application is free to download and is available now.