Using your mobile phone Video call with your mobile and Skype
Video calling has had something of a resurgence in recent years and with more and more devices including front facing cameras it looks like it might be here to stay.
Video calls not only let you see the person you are talking to but can also actually be cheaper than regular calls (if they are made when your mobile is connected to a wi-fi network), especially if you are calling someone abroad through a service like Skype.
Skype can be a cheap may of keeping in touch with friends and family abroad
What is Skype?
Skype is an internet service that allows you to make free calls to other Skype users in the UK or abroad, and 'chat' (send instant messages) free of charge, via VoIP (Voice over internet protocol).
Skype runs on Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, a variety of mobile phones, some cordless phones, plus the Sony PSP.
How does Skype work?
Calling from one Skype account to another is free, though if you call from your Skype account to a landline or mobile phone number you will have to pay. To call Skype-to-Skype, both you and the person you want to call must install the software.
Charged calls will be deducted from your Skype account, which you will have to set-up after installing Skype. You can top-up your Skype account by using a debit or credit card.
Remember, Skype calls take place over the internet so to make Skype calls you will need to have an internet connection on your phone, either over wi-fi or over a mobile network.
Making Skype calls with 3
Skype has been available on mobile network 3 since 2006, and is currently free on all 3 contract tariffs. It's also free to 3 pay-as-you-go (PAYG) customers.
Skype has proved very popular on 3, and the network claims that 'over one million minutes of free Skype-to-Skype calls are made on 3 every day'.
Since 1 May 2009, 3 has opened up its network to allow anyone with a 3 Sim card and a compatible handset to benefit from free unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messages, as long as they top up at least every 90 days to keep their Sim card active.
To be compatible, the mobile phone handset must have 3G (third generation) high-speed mobile web access. For more information see our Mobile phone features explained page.
If you're a 3 PAYG or monthly contract customer
Check if your mobile handset is Skype-enabled by plugging in your handset details on the 3 website. If your phone is Skype-enabled, on your mobile go to Favourites (called QuickLinks or Launcher on some mobiles) and click on Skype. Then set up a username and password or sign in if you've already got a Skype ID.
If you're not a 3 mobile customer
You can request two free PAYG Sim cards from the 3 website, or they're available free on request in 3 stores across the UK. The free 3 Sim card will work in any 3 PAYG handset.
Alternatively, there's also a 'Sim Zero' contract Sim with no monthly cost, and a one month's notice period if you want to end the contract. Sim Zero lets you make free Skype-to-Skype calls 'for the rest of your life without having to pay anything, ever', according to 3.
The network hopes you will also make normal calls or send texts, which are charged at 3's standard rates of 20p per minute, or 10p per text. Any charges come out of your monthly direct debit.
The 'free Skype' service on 3 means that you can make unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls to anyone using Skype on a computer, videophone or mobile phone. What you won't be able to do is make free calls to non-Skype numbers (called 'Skype out' calls), as these are charged at standard Skype rates.
Free mobile Skype will possibly be most useful for anyone with a 3 mobile phone who also has friends or relatives abroad who use Skype. By using Skype to make free international calls you'll save on international landline call costs or charges for calling a foreign mobile.
Skype app for iPhone
The Skype iPhone app was released in 2010. It brings most of Skype's functionality to the iPhone, including free Skype-to-Skype calls and cheap international calls.
To download the app simply search for 'Skype' on the iPhone's App Store.
The iPhone's Skype app works on all versions of the iPhone, as well as the iPad and iPod Touch.
Skype app for Nokia phones
Skype was released as an application on Nokia's Ovi store in March 2010.
It's a fully featured Skype client that allows users to make free Skype-to-Skype calls, cheap international calls and calls to non-Skype users.
To download the app you need to search Nokia's Ovi App store, just input 'Skype' into the search tool.
Skype for Android phones
A Skype app for Android was released in 2010 and the app should now be compatible with devices running Android versions 2.1 and above (although it only works with Samsung Galaxy S devices running 2.2 and above).
Other video calling services
As well as Skype there are other video calling services such as Apple's Facetime which works between iOS devices. To make a video call on devices like these go to your contacts menu, select the person you want to call and if they have a compatible device (they might also need to be connected to a wi-fi network) there should be an option to start a video call.
Which? tests hundreds of mobile phones a year and rates each brand for reliability and customer satisfaction. Read our mobile phone brand overview or check out our mobile phone reviews.
