Microsoft Discontinues Skype Credits, Promotes Subscription Switch for Users

Microsoft Revises Skype’s Calling Options: The End of Skype Credits

Skype, once a front-runner in the field of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication, continues to serve its users with calls to both landlines and mobile devices. Despite its enduring presence, recent changes initiated by Microsoft regarding user charges for certain calls may alter the way subscribers utilize the service.

Transition from Skype Credits to Subscription Model

Previously, Skype users had the option to purchase Skype Credits, which facilitated calls to non-Skype numbers at a pay-as-you-go rate. These Skype-to-Skype calls, however, have always remained free of charge. As part of Microsoft’s latest restructuring, users are now encouraged to acquire a monthly calling subscription for calls to traditional phone numbers. For those who prefer the traditional calling method, Microsoft emphasizes that Skype-to-Skype calls remain available without any cost.

Official Explanation and User Impact

In the absence of comprehensive support documents or formal announcements, the only indication of this significant change is a brief notification on Skype’s official website, simply stating, “Skype Credit is no longer available.”A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed this transition to TechCrunch, noting that while Skype Credits have been discontinued, users can still utilize any remaining credits in their accounts as long as activity occurs within a 180-day window.

The User Base: Who Will Be Affected?

The ramifications of this change on Skype’s user base remain somewhat ambiguous. As of February 2023, Microsoft reported over 36 million monthly active users on Skype; however, the specific number of users who relied on Skype Credits for landline and mobile calling is unclear. This lack of transparency raises questions about how many subscribers will need to adapt to the new subscription model.

Subscription Plans and Pricing Structure

The Skype to Phone subscription offers various pricing plans that vary based on the destination of the calls. For instance, calls made to locations within the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico are priced at $2.99 per month, with a rate of 0.15 cents per minute for any usage exceeding 2,000 minutes each month. Alternatively, users can opt for a $6.99 monthly plan, which allows unlimited calls throughout North America at a rate of 0.35 cents per minute for excess usage beyond 2,000 minutes. For comparison, the previous Skype Credit model provided users with approximately 434 minutes of calls for $10 within the United States.

Your Thoughts on the Update

If you rely on Skype for calling landlines and mobile numbers, we invite you to share your opinions on this recent change. How do you feel about the shift towards a subscription-based service?

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