5 million download Skype 3G app

Skype has said that nearly five million iPhone users have already downloaded the latest version of its new iPhone app that launched last Sunday.

Skype 2.0 introduced the ability to make Skype-to-Skype calls on the 3G network, rather than having to rely on an internet connection. It’s been a much-requested feature but the company also said it would charge for the feature at the end of 2010.

Speaking to Reuters, Russ Shaw, Skype General Manager for Mobile, said that the firm needs to start charging for the service so that it can ensure that the quality of 3G calls remains high.

Shaw wouldn’t give pricing details but said the service would still be competitive with rival services.

“We're not going to want to price ourselves out of the market," he said. "I can't ignore the fact that consumers (currently) use us for free."

You can find out more about Skype here.