FAQ

What is Skype?

Skype is an internet service that allows you to make free voice calls to other Skype users wherever they are in the world. Skype uses the internet to allow you to talk to people all over the world for free. Now the 3 Skypephone brings this new Skype technology to mobile.

How does Skype on a mobile work?

The same way it does on a PC! If you're already a Skype user, simply enter your login details in the Skype screen on the phone and all your existing Skype buddies can be loaded into your existing contact list. Then you just choose who you want to call and you're away. If you're not already a Skype user, don't worry, you can get set yourself up on the phone itself in seconds – no computer required.

I'm not a Skype user and don't have a Skype account. Can I still enjoy all the free calls and chats the 3 Skypephone offers?

Yes, 3 Skypephone is designed so that you can set up a Skype account quickly and easily, direct from your keypad. Simply press the Skype key and select the ‘Create new account' option. Once you have reviewed and accepted the terms and conditions you can create a Skype Name and a password and click OK. Skype will then process this, setting up your new account and getting you up and running in seconds. When this is complete, you are ready to start sharing your user name with other friends who have Skype and add their Skype details to your buddy list.

Can I use the same Skype account I use on my PC on my mobile?

Yes. The 3 Skypephone has been designed to allow existing Skype users to quickly and easily enjoy Skype wherever they are. Your same Skype Name and buddies will appear wherever you choose to log in to Skype. You can't be logged in to two phones simultaneously, so if you're logged in on one device, you will need to log out of the other before you can access your Skype account on your 3 Skypephone. However, you can be logged on to your account on your PC at the same time as on your mobile.  

How do I make a Skype call?

Select contacts, choose the person you want to Skype and then hit the Skype key to begin. Skype will then take several seconds or more to establish the call. You can also access your Skype contacts through the handset contact book.

What does Skype on a mobile cost? *

It costs you nothing to make a Skype call to any other Skype user on your 3 Skypephone, once you have an active internet service with your network. Roaming charges will apply, if you are outside the 3 network.

What about when I phone another 3 Skypephone? Do I pay then? *

No. All Skype calls between Skype users are free, no matter whether that person is using Skype on another mobile or on their PC as long as you call them using their Skype Name and not their phone number. If you choose to call a phone number, you pay standard network call charges. If you choose to call a Skype Name, you pay nothing.

What happens when people call me? Do they still have to pay to call my mobile? *

Again, it depends how they call you. If a call is made from another mobile or fixed line to your mobile number, the caller pays according to their standard network charges. However, if the caller is calling from Skype on their PC or mobile, it's a free call for them and for you. So it's a great idea to encourage all your contacts to get Skype on their PC and a 3 Skypephone as their mobile so you can all enjoy free calls all the time.

How can my friend use Skype to contact me?

Skype is available on many computers as well as on handheld and wireless devices. Your friends can download Skype for free and start talking on the phone or chatting through instant messaging with you on your 3 Skypephone, or an X-Series phone. All they need to do is to add your Skype Name to their Skype contacts.

What is Skype instant messaging?

The 3 Skypephone has a full instant messaging system called Skype chat. It allows you to exchange instant messages with your buddies on Skype chat directly from your handset.

How does Skype instant messaging work?

The 3 Skypephone has Skype instant messaging built right in. You simply select your contact, choose to chat rather than call and a chat window opens up. You now have a Skype chat session running. Naturally, all Skype instant messaging is also free and you can see all your Skype instant messages from Messaging on the handset Menu.

Can I send a Skype Instant message to my friends on Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo! IM?

Currently No, there is no ability to send Instant messages across to other instant messenger services.

Where can I buy it?

The 3 Skypephone will be available through your country's 3 website – see www.three.com.

Will it work on 2G, 2.5G& 3G networks?

Wherever you have coverage in the UK, Skype will work. If you can make a normal voice call, you will be able to make a Skype Call.

Will it work overseas, including the USA?

The 3 Skypephone will work like a normal mobile when overseas, and therefore you will be able to make normal voice calls and send and receive SMS whenever you are on a GSM 900 or 1800 network (see your country's 3 website for the full list of countries that you can roam in)

The 3 Skypephone is dual band and therefore will not work in the USA

What about the quality of Skype calls over the internet?

It is true that calls over the internet can be of lower quality than normal phone calls, however the service that we provide with Skype still provides a high quality call from your 3 Skypephone to anywhere in the world using Skype.

Can you use SkypeOut? If not, Why?

The 3 Skypephone does not support Skype Out, as 3 already provides you with great value calling to normal phone numbers around the world.

How does the Skype experience differ from using a PC?

The biggest difference is that you can use Skype when you are out and about, or away from your PC. Otherwise for Skype-to-Skype calls and Skype instant messaging there are no major differences. Because the 3 Skypephone screen is smaller than your PC, the view that you will see is different to what you will find on a PC.

How easy is it to set up a Skype account?

Very easy! When you turn the phone on, press the Skype button, select "Create Account" and follow the on screen instructions. If your desired Skype name is not available you will need to enter a different name. You can also set up a Skype account at www.skype.com which will give you a full list of suggested alternatives if your desired Skype name is not available.

How easy is it to add contacts?

The Skype contacts are in your phonebook, so you can add Skype names to your normal contact details, or you can add them by pressing the Skype button, then "Options", then "Add contact" and entering a Skype name. You can also add contacts on your PC, which will then become visible on your 3 Skypephone when you press the Skype button.

Does the 3 Skypephone support HSDPA?

No.

Are there more 3 Skypephones planned?

3 always wants to provide customers with the best devices available and we will continue to look at what future options there may be for further versions of the 3 Skypephone.

What type of Memory card does the 3 Skypephone take?

Micro SD.

Can I still make normal calls and send text messages from my 3 Skypephone

Yes. As any other phone your 3 Skypephone contact list stores all your friend's phone numbers allowing you to quickly and simply call and message them.

How do get on the internet from my 3 Skypephone?

You can access many internet services from within Launcher which is a simple click from the Start Screen. If you want to browse the internet, you can access it from the Browser which is available from the handset Menu.

What is the Application Shop?

The application shop allows you to buy some of the best 3D games that are available for the 3 Skypephone, content and games are also available on Planet 3.

Can I still use Planet 3 on my 3 Skypephone?

Yes. Simply access Planet 3 via the right soft key on the Start Screen on your 3 Skypephone.

What is Launcher?

Launcher brings together all the best internet services into one place on your 3 Skypephone so that you can login to your Facebook account or track your bids on eBay with one simple click.

Can I listen to music on my 3 Skypephone?

Yes. 3 Skypephone comes with its own music player.

Can I transfer music tracks from my computer to my 3 Skypephone?

By plugging in the USB cable supplied you can connect your 3 Skypephone and transfer music from your computer.

How many tracks can my  3 Skypephone hold?

The size of the internal memory card you have installed will determine the amount of music you can hold. Typically a 512MB memory card can hold approx 150 - 200 standard songs.

What is happening to X-Series?

X-Series is still available and brings a wide range of internet applications to our customers.

How do I know if I am in 3G/Video coverage?

Most handsets will identify this to you in the top left of the screen on the handset by the signal bars – most will say 3G.
If you're outside of our Video Coverage it will say 2G. However you can still make and receive voice calls and send and receive Text & Picture Messages.

Can I still Skype to Skype when in 2G coverage?

Yes.

The phone can't be switched on

The phone switched off automatically

The call volume is too low

The battery can't be charged

Can't display network

The person you are calling cannot hear your voice

The incoming call doesn't ring

The phone does not recognise the memory card

Can I use the 3 Skypephone on the 3 Like Home service?

Yes.  

Which networks and countries support 3 Like Home?

3Austria, 3Italy, 3Sweden, 3Denmark, 3Australia, 3Hong Kong, 3Ireland.

Will it still be Free calls when I am using a 3 Like Home Network?

Yes.

Can I use my free Skype minutes when roaming abroad?

Only when on a 3 network.

How can I Activate and change my USIM PIN?

Where can I find out more about my 3 Skypephone?

Your 3 Skypephone comes with a detailed user manual which will show you everything you need to know to get up and running. You can download a copy from the Fast Guide page. You can also visit our special web site on your phone. Just go to 3Skype.mobi.