New Skype-Boingo Skype Zones service should make cell carriers nervous

If I were a cellular phone company executive marketing to on-the-go business travelers, I would be very nervous today.

Especially those business travelers that use notebook computers or other Wi-Fi enabled portable devices.

Why would I be freaked? Well, a portion of my customer base might just decide they don't need to make as many cell calls as they used to.

Why would they think this?

A new service called Skype Zones is being announced today, and actually, is available now. Skype Zones will offer global Wi-Fi access to Skype customers.

The service, from Skype and wireless Internet access provider Boingo Wireless, will be available throughout Boingo's 18,000-location Wi-Fi hotspot network.

This is not standard Skype access via Wi-Fi, but a customized version offered via the Skype Zones service. Skype Zones, which is available for a flat $7.95 a month or $2.95 for a two-hour connection, will run on a Skype-compatible version of Boingo's software.

To use the service on your notebook PC, you'll need to download and install the Skype Zones client software. The software is available by download from the Skype store or from the Boingo site.