Skype to offer free Wi-Fi in the UK

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for short, is a revolutionary technology that has allowed people from all over the world to connect and keep in constant communication minus the insanely high long-distance fees. The technology makes use of various transmission techniques and communication protocols and methodologies for making and receiving phone and video calls via Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet.

VoIP might sound a bit complicated when defined, but you might have already been able to make use of such technology, even without knowing it. One such example is Skype, a messenger type of software application that allows users to send instant messages to one another and place calls to anyone in the world. Skype is widely used in the UK, especially during the Christmas season, where it was reported previously that most Brits will opt to keep in touch with loved ones like friends and family by using Skype. It might seem like an astounding statistic, but a study Skype did found that over thirty eight million people might be working during the holidays, stating: “Skype video can let soldiers join in and watch when their kids open their presents, doctors to talk to their parents during a festive shift and night security staff to check that their children have left their stockings out for Santa before bedtime. Technology like Skype means you are closer to people than ever before, particularly during the holiday period.”

Skype has also teamed up with other services and sites like Facebook to offer users video chat features while logged in to the social networking site. The collaboration was announced in July of this year, where video chat features were integrated into Facebook care of Skype’s technology.

And there’s more good news for people who use Skype regularly come this year’s Internet Week Europe festival. Internet Week was established in order to celebrate Europe’s thriving internet industry and community, where a series of events such as parties, conferences, and panels will be held to commemorate such technology.

In line with Internet Week, Skype has announced that they are offering free Skype Access to the UK for the entire duration of the festival. Skype Access is a single-click Wi-Fi access service that is normally paid for with the use of Skype Credits.

Skype, via their blog, stated that users can avail of free Skype Access from “0001 GMT on the 7th November 2011 to to 2359 GMT on the 11th November 2011, Skype Access will be free to use, so you can surf the web, send email and make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls at Skype Access-enabled WiFi hotspots in cafés, hotels and airports across the UK.”