August 6, 2006

In a boost for eBay, the do-it-yourself service will connect to wireless routers from their Windows smartphones.

Skype is expected to announce a version of its service for Windows-based mobile phones as soon as this week in a move that reflects eBay’s eagerness to profit from September’s multibillion-dollar purchase of the VoIP pioneer.

For owners of dual-mode phones, a major benefit will be that they will be able to choose whether they use Skype over Wi-Fi or over a 3G connection, sources within the company told RedHerring.com.

Such a facility would enable users to create their own do-it-yourself “converged” service. They could connect to their own wireless broadband router at home and use 3G when traveling.