Skype released a beta application for Java-enabled mobiles. This mini beta version of Skype allows users to download to their mobile phones and access all the Skype features such as instant messenger, group chat, making and receiving calls. The current beta version of Skype can only support approximately 50 models of Java-enabled mobile phones namely Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson. The beta version is also limited to seven countries, Brazil, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden and U.K. at the moment.

This beta version of the Skype software is free. To download this application to your mobile phone, you can go to Skype for Mobile website. From the site, you can select your mobile phone’s model and proceed with the downloading process. All the mobile phones which support the program will be shown. The developer will update the site from time to time to include more models.

There are two download options available. Either download the program directly from the phone or download it to the computer and transfer it later. Simply enter skype.com/m on the phone browser and follow the instructions on the screen step by step.

The Skype service is however not free. To make calls to the contacts in your Skype contact list, you need to pay the normal national or local rate plus an additional Skype-out fee to your destination.  For instant messenger service, Skype indicated that there is a data charge from your operator.

Download: Skype for Mobile