Just in time for Christmas...Microsoft partners with retailers to sell prepaid Skype cards
Microsoft video conference service Skype has partnered with retailers Asda, Currys, PC World, Sainsbury’s and WH Smith for the release of its prepaid cards, a new option to allow users to buy credit for the service.
The card will be made available in gift card sections of each of the stores, across 1,400 stores in the UK, allowing users access to Skype’s paid features including international calls to mobile and landlines, video calls with multiple people and connection to over 1m international WiFi hotspots.
Enrico Noseda, head of marketing development for EMEA region at Skype described the retailer strategy as ‘a significant new direction’ adding that the company saw the cards as being another option to allow users to ‘get more’ from the service; “either as a way to add Skype Credit to their account or as a perfect gift for friends and family to allow them to keep in touch more easily. The Skype Credit can be used in whichever way and on whichever device best suits the user, making it as easy as possible to be together whenever we are apart.”
Katie Walley, head of cards and lending at Asda Money, explained: “We see Skype as an ideal way to make communicating more affordable, and the Skype Prepaid Cards will be available in over 200 stores over the coming months."
Meanwhile, Shelly Roberts, Buyer at Sainsbury’s, added: “We’re always looking for ways to help our customers save money so it’s great news that our partnership with Skype means that these cards, which will be available in over 400 Sainsbury’s stores, will allow our customers to remain in contact with their friends and family cost effectively.“