VoIP services provider Skype in Japan

Japanese mobile network provider KDDI Corporation and Skype announced a strategic alliance that will integrate Skype throughout KDDI’ s services. From the beginning Skype will be made available on the KDDI networks on the Android™ smartphone “ IS03” and “ IS01” from November this year, with foreseen deeper integration on a range of Android devices as well as BREW group devices in 2011.

In frames of the partnership, Skype and KDDI have designed a totally new communications approach for Japanese users, offering them a effective, high quality and robust way to connect with friends and family both in Japan as well as internationally. Japanese clients on the KDDI network can take their Skype conversations and chats with them wherever they go and stay connected with their friends at any times by sending and receiving Instant Messages with the Skype application operating in the background. At moment of appearance, users will also be able to make unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user in Japan and Worldwide without charges or any extra fees on monthly plan. Skype uses KDDI’ s voice network for Skype-to-Skype calls, delivering reliable connectivity to users and crystal clear call quality. Japanese KDDI customers with certain data plans will also be able to enjoy Skype features: Enabled Skype application “ always on” and see ‘ ’ your friends’ online status at any timeunlimited Skype-to-Skype callsAlways available Instant MessagingInternational calls at competitive Skype Out calling ratesGroup chats and conference calls“ Skype™ on au is a breakthrough in giving customers in Japan unlimited, global communications options, while expanding their calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users worldwide,” said Mr. Takashi Tanaka, Senior Vice President, member of the board of KDDI. “ We look forward to working closely with Skype to extend these benefits beyond mobile to broadband, fixed line and cable, and thereby maximize the satisfaction of our customers in every area of our business.” “ Skype is pleased to partner with KDDI to deliver a high quality, innovative communications experience for Japanese consumers,” said Skype interim CEO, Adrian Dillon. “ KDDI’ s position as a leading network provider in Japan that offers a wide range of communications services, makes it a natural partner for Skype given our vision to make Skype available everywhere and enable users to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go.”