In May of this year, Skype announced unlimited free SkypeOut calls for North American consumers through the end of 2006 to any regular landline or mobile phone in the U.S. and Canada. This initial promotion was extremely successful in acquiring new registered users and increasing the number of SkypeOut minutes called throughout North America.

With the end of the year approaching rapidly, Skype today announced its newest calling plan offer – the Skype Unlimited Calling plan.

The new Skype Unlimited Calling plan is now available for a flat rate of $29.95 per year. Consumers and small businesses who sign up for the new plan before January 31, 2007 will receive a special discounted introductory rate of $14.95 per year – 50 percent off the regular price. While Skype to Skype calls will remain free, the new Skype Unlimited Calling plan is an easier and cheaper way for the growing number of SkypeOut users to stay in touch with friends and family over any mobile or landline phone. Users can also choose to pay for SkypeOut calls at low per-minute rates (e.g., 2.1 cents per minute within the U.S. and Canada).