Skype is a service that uses the internet to make calls and send instant messages to other people using Skype all around the world. You can make free Skype-to-Skype calls and send free instant messages to other people who are using Skype.
With Skype, you can share a story, celebrate a birthday, learn a language, hold a meeting, work with colleagues… the list is endless. You can use Skype on your phone or on a computer with Skype on it. It’s free to use Skype – but you can buy an additional subscription that lets you do more, like call landlines or get better rates on international calls. Download Skype for your computer here.
Read more about using Skype on your Three phone on our Support page.
Ten ways to get the most out of Skype.
To help you understand some of the cool things you can do with Skype, we’ve put together a list of ten tips, hints and shortcuts to help you get more out of Skype.
1. It’s free to download the Skype app on your phone.
Head to Skype's mobile page, enter your phone number and they'll send you a link to get the app on your phone. Magic! Some of our older phones are compatible with an app called 'Skype-on-Three' that's free to download and use - you can read more about that here.
2. You can make international calls to people who aren’t using Skype.
With Skype's Call Phones Abroad you can call international mobile and landline numbers of people who aren't using Skype at very low rates. Just buy the calling credit or a subscription directly by going to Skype on your computer. Read more on our support page. .
3. It takes seconds to import your contacts.
If you don’t want to spend hours asking your mates if they're on Skype and adding them all by hand (and who would?), you can import your contact lists from email accounts, Facebook or other online places. See who else is on Skype and soon you'll be using it more than you imagined to stay in touch with all your friends. Just open Skype, hit Contacts and then Import contacts - easy.
4. See live status updates.
If you're having problems connecting to Skype, you can check that all systems are working properly by going to http://heartbeat.skype.com/. You'll see recent announcements and service updates, together with the current status of all Skype's systems.
5. Using Skype on your phone uses data.
Because Skype uses the internet to send and receive messages, it'll use up data from your data allowance - and when you go over that limit, you'll be charged a set price per megabyte. If you've got all-you-can-eat data on Three there's no need to worry. But if you're worried about going over your data allowance, connect to a Wi-Fi network and it's all free.
6. You can share what you've got on your screen.
There's nothing worse than trying to describe a chart or a report when the person on the other end of the line's playing Minesweeper or making a cheese toastie. With Skype you won't have that. Take your clients or business partners through presentations in real time by sharing your desktop. You control when they see the next slide, and you can talk them through what they're seeing. Read all about it here.
7. You can use Skype to hold conference calls.
Yes, there are lots of companies out there offering conference call services. But with Skype, you do it all from your computer or phone - there's no need for a landline. You can be anywhere. You can instantly share files with a group of people. You don't need to type in passcodes or ID numbers. In short, it's simpler, faster and really professional. Ideal for ad hoc meetings when you don't want the hassle of setting up a conference bridge or booking lines. Find out more about Conference calling on Skype.
8. Get more out of Skype with apps.
Just like you can personalise your phone with apps, you can also add apps to Skype to get more out of it. From chat translators to call recording software, the variety is truly amazing. Many are free, but others are paid for, so take a look and choose carefully. Browse apps here.
9. You can't make emergency calls with Skype.
This is an important one to remember. Skype is not a replacement for your mobile phone or landline and it can't be used for emergency calling. So in an emergency, don't waste time - reach for a phone, dial 999 and you'll get through to the emergency services with no delay.
10. Having trouble using Skype?
Skype's got a great help section full of Frequently Asked Questions. Can't find the answer there? Try the Skype Support Network - it's a forum where you can browse questions other users have asked, or post your own.
