Skype Now Focuses on a subscription Model For Calling: Here are the pricing details
Skype surprises with a drastic change: the previous credit system is being discontinued. Instead, users should switch to subscriptions. What does this mean for the future of communications services?
Microsoft changes payment model
Microsoft has quietly announced the end of the Skype credit system. Users who were previously able to top up money for calls to landlines or mobile phones are now facing a change. Instead, Microsoft will rely on a subscription model for paid calls in the future.
The change affects all Skype users who regularly make calls to non-Skype numbers. While Skype-to-Skype calls remain free, users will in future have to take out a monthly subscription for calls to landlines or mobile networks. There has been no official announcement from Microsoft so far, only a small banner on the Skype website provides information about the innovation.
What happens to existing credit?
Skype has already confirmed that Skype credit can no longer be reselected. However, there is good news for users with existing credit: This can continue to be used as long as the Skype account remains active within a 180-day period.
The new subscription prices at a glance
The new subscription prices vary depending on the target region:
- USA, Guam and Puerto Rico: 2.99 dollars / 3.57 euros per month, with a cap of 2000 minutes.
- North America package: 6.99 dollars or 7.74 euros per month.
- Europe subscription (landline): 22.61 euros per month.
- Europe subscription (mobile and landline): 39.27 euros per month.
For comparison: In the old system, users could make calls to the USA for around 434 minutes for $10 of credit. The switch to a subscription model now naturally raises questions about Microsoft’s future strategy. Although Skype has often been replaced by Microsoft Teams in companies, the service is still very popular in the private sector.
However, the change may prompt some users to look for alternatives, especially if they only make occasional international calls. Skype, which was founded in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011, has had a turbulent history. Despite strong competition from WhatsApp, Zoom and other services, Skype remains an important player in the field of digital communication.
