Mobile phone experts have welcomed this week’s introduction of the 3 Skypephone, a handset that allows users to make free telephone calls to Skype subscribers worldwide.

Skype, for less “techie” readers, is one of a number of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services that enable users to make telephone calls over an internet connection. Calls between computers are free and the service already has 246 million registered users. Michael van Swaaij, Skype’s acting chief executive, says that the new handset makes the technology – which most people associate with PC terminals and headsets – truly mobile. “It could not be simpler,” he says. “Put Skype in your pocket and make free Skype mobile calls at the touch of a button.”

The phone, which can also make regular calls, must be used with one of 3 Mobile’s standard tariffs or on pay-as-you-go with a minimum spend of £10 a month. The handset is free on contract or costs £49.99 on a prepay deal. Calls between Skypephones are routed as Skype calls and are free.

Rob Barnes, of Moneysuper-market.com, the comparison website, says that 3’s rates are excellent, even before free Skype calls are factored in. “There could be a huge take-up of this,” he says. “It is a good solution for a large number of people.”

Mr Barnes adds that the phone is perfect for the “Facebook generation” and he envisages groups of friends connecting en masse.

John Penberthy-Smith, of 3, says that the service is aimed initially at existing Skype users, most of whom are “businessmen, international expatriates and value-aware consumers”.

The handset is small and smart, with built-in camera, MP3 player and mobile TV and internet. A prominent feature is the central Skype button. New users can press this to create a Skype account or log in to an existing PC-based account to import contacts.

Free Skype calls can now also be made from a number of other 3 handsets, including the Nokia N73, E65, 6120 and N95, although the Skypephone offers an easier interface.

Robert Rawlinson, of MobileShop.

com, an independent retailer, agrees with Mr Barnes that the new phone represents excellent value. He says that the slick integration of VoIP technology into a mass-market handset was “inevitable” and represents a “massive challenge” to rival mobile phone networks. He adds: “VoIP-to-mobile services represent the same threat to the big mobile companies as the basic Skype service first represented to BT.”

If this all sounds too good to be true, potential buyers should note that 3 is the smallest of the mainstream providers. Patchy network coverage is sometimes reported and not all areas are covered by the provider’s 3G network, which allows subscribers smooth access to its mobile, TV and internet services and game downloads.

The launch of the Skypephone is the latest move under Kevin Russell, 3’s chief executive, to revive the company’s fortunes – an ambition that Mr Barnes regards as realistic. However, much depends on users convincing friends and family to sign up. “3 is a step ahead other operators in terms of innovation,” Mr Barnes says, “but this is only a great offer if you are already a registered Skype user or can convince the people you speak to most to also buy a Skypephone.”

Full details of 3’s price plans are online at Three.co.uk, with links to selected bloggers’ reviews of the handset. For more impartial views, search for “Skypephone” at Google.com/ blogsearch. And be aware that, despite a promotional statement that Skype-to-Skype calls with the phone are always free, usage is capped at 4,000 minutes a month.

Times Recommends

• How to profit from your holiday
• Is there anywhere left to make money?
• 10 sites that could change your life