Skype arrives on Nokia Symbian phones

Live at the Ovi

One day after Skype yanked support for Windows and Java mobiles, citing a lack of consistent quality across handsets, the proprietary VoIP outfit is showing its love for Symbian.

Skype's free mobile app for Nokia's Symbian OS has left the beta stage and is now available directly from the mobile Ovi Store or alternatively the Skype website.

Skype for Symbian will run on any Nokia smartphone using Symbian^1, the latest version of the mobile OS. (A list of the compatible devices is available here).

The app works over both a 3G mobile data connection or WiFi, and it allows users to make free Skype-to-Skype calls across the globe, along with gratis instant messaging, text messaging, and picture and video sharing.

Earlier this month, Skype announced a partnership with the mobile carrier Verizon to make a similar smartphone app for select BlackBerry and Android phones on Verizon's network.

It would seem as VoIP applications spread across more mobile devices, service providers must warm up to the idea that data plans will replace voice as the main source of revenue.

Skype already runs on the iPhone over WiFi only, although a 3G-enabled version is expected soon.

The company said "soon" it will update the Symbian app so that it will work on Symbian mobiles from other manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson. ®