UK Supermarket chain Sainsbury's and VOIP outfit Skype today announced a deal that will enable customers to buy Skype credit – in the form of eVouchers at more than 500 Sainsbury's stores across the UK.
As Skype credit becomes readily available, Sainsbury's will also shortly be stocking Skype certified hardware (headsets and handsets) to enable new users to start using the web to make calls. Skype credit lets Skype users call landlines or mobile phones anywhere in the world, for as little as 1p per minute. Users simply dial the landline or mobile number from their computer and they are immediately connected to who they are calling. Skype PC to PC calls to any of the other 100 million Skype users anywhere in the world will always be free.
According to Adam Zeiderman, commercial manager, Sainsbury's home services, “We are delighted to be the first retailer in Europe to sell Skype eVouchers in our stores. We think our customers will welcome the convenience of being able to purchase inexpensive worldwide internet calls when they shop. This will complement our existing telecommunications offer. Combined with our experience selling mobile phone top-up cards, we anticipate that the system will integrate seamlessly into all our stores.”
Alistair Shrimpton, market development manager for Skype in the UK said, “From today, you can buy Skype credit as easily as you buy sandwiches or cereal. Our relationship with Sainsburys means more and more people can enjoy using the Internet to call family and friends all over the world. Buying Skype credit with cash while doing your regular shopping makes the whole Skype experience even more accessible to existing Skype users and new ones. ”
Skype credit consists of an easy to use eVoucher system that works in the same way as the pre-pay ‘top-up' model used by the mobile phone industry. Sainsburys' customers simply specify the amount of credit they need and can buy a Skype eVoucher at the checkout. The eVoucher has a unique PIN code to enter when they log on to their Skype account page and once activated, makes Skype credit immediately available for use. During a call, customers will be given an on-screen indication of how much credit they are using. Aside from making landline or mobile ‘phone calls, Skype credit can also be used to buy other Skype products such as ring tones from featured artists, like Madonna. |
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