TELUS and Skype today announced that they have signed an agreement that will revolutionize how TELUS smartphone customers use Skype, including the ability to purchase Skype Credit through their existing TELUS accounts, making it more secure and convenient for them to stay connected with loved ones both in Canada and abroad while taking advantage of Skype’s low-cost calling rates. In addition, TELUS will launch the Skype edition LG Optimus Black, the first Skype edition smartphone in the Canadian market.
“We believe that by developing a deep relationship with leading global communications brands that our customers already know and enjoy, such as Skype, TELUS can provide a superior customer experience that leverages the best of what those brands have to offer and empowers our customers to choose the services they want and need,” said David Fuller, chief marketing officer at TELUS. “By bringing Canadians their choice of the best communication technologies we offer our customers the freedom to customize their mobile experience with the services they want, when and how they want. And when you experience these services on Canada’s fastest* coast-to-coast 4G network, it’s a perfect match.”
Through its partnership with Skype, TELUS will continue to increase its participation in the rapidly growing smartphone application ecosystem by pairing its own unique value proposition with Skype’s well-known communications solutions. TELUS customers using Skype will more easily and securely be able to take advantage of affordable international calling rates to both landlines and mobile phones through Skype Out calling, using Skype Credit. Only TELUS customers have the ability to have Skype Credit charged directly to their wireless bill. TELUS customers can also enjoy unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls and instant messaging to users around the globe.
“People want to take their Skype conversations with them on-the-go, wherever they are, whether it’s on a laptop, or increasingly, via their mobile phones,” said Russ Shaw, Skype vice-president and general manager of Mobile. “TELUS will enable Canadian consumers to get the best Skype experience on their smartphones and it will truly change the way people communicate with their friends and family either here or abroad.”
Consistent with its commitment to an unparalleled Future Friendly customer experience, TELUS will also champion Skype offerings and make them easier to use with customer service team members ready, willing and able to help set up accounts and troubleshoot in store, at TELUS’ exclusive Learning Centres and on the phone. TELUS customers will also be able to take advantage of enhanced web support.
Skype Edition LG Optimus Black coming soon
Coming this summer, the Skype edition LG Optimus Black is set to open the door to the world and change the way Canadians communicate. The first Skype-branded phone on the Canadian market, it features a preloaded Skype icon that connects the user to the Android Market with one touch, where the latest version of Skype Mobile can be downloaded. The Skype edition LG Optimus Black also comes complete with an in-box Skype quick-start guide and up to 60 minutes of Skype international calling credits, so users can begin connecting with the world right away. The slim and light Skype edition LG Optimus Black boasts a 700 nit NOVA display (the world’s brightest mobile display) for stunning colour and clarity on its 4 inch touchscreen. It is also the first device to offer a 2 megapixel front facing camera for premium photo taking, and video capture.
