The lite version of Skype, a “thin” Skype client for mobile phones, will soon be available as a free download for BlackBerry smart phones. A beta version will be available in May for the BlackBerry Bold and Curve, with support for other models coming later. With the lite version of Skype, BlackBerry users will be able to enjoy the core Skype capabilities.

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Lite version users will be able to make Skype-to-Skype calls to other users anywhere in the world. They also will be able to send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups. They will be able to make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones. Furthermore, they will be able to receive calls to their online number on Skype. And, they will be able to see when their Skype contacts are online and available to chat. 

BlackBerry users who download Skype can save money on calls to landlines and mobiles abroad. The application works wherever their mobile phone works, without needing a Wi-Fi connection. It uses local airtime and a mobile Internet connection to sign in to Skype, update contact lists and presence, and send and receive calls or messages. As a result, users must have both a calling plan and a data plan to use the lite version.

The lite version of Skype will be available to BlackBerry users worldwide. The ability to make calls will be available in 10 countries: Australia, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom. English will be supported first, with additional languages to follow. Users who download the beta version will be able to provide feedback on the application via an online survey.

In addition to the lite version for BlackBerry smart phones, Skype offers services for the iPhone, Android-powered devices, and more than 100 other Java-enabled phones. The company also has a strategic partnership with Kokia and offers Skype for Windows Mobile, which has been downloaded more than 12 million times. The beta version of lite for BlackBerry will be available beginning in May at www.skype.com/m via the BlackBerry browser.