Skype announced unlimited SkypeOut plans, which allow a user to call phone numbers. The plans are aimed at customers who want to reach friends and family without computers or Internet access, either within the United States or abroad. The unlimited nationwide plan, which allows unlimited calling on all landline or mobile phones in the United States and Canada, costs only $2.95 a month.

Another international calling plan allows users to dial phone numbers in 34 foreign countries for only $9.95 per month. However, in most countries only landlines can be called, excepting China, Hong Kong and Singapore, which also allow calls on mobile phones. Another unlimited calling program will allow calling to Mexico as well for $5.95 per month.

Reuters reported last week that eBay took a $1.4 billion write-down off Skype's $4.3 billion price tag last year, apparently because it couldn't find an effective way of reaping profits quickly off it. The new moves however are an indication that eBay hasn't given up on Skype.

Earlier this month, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin indirectly said that Skype’s petition with the Federal Communications Commission is doomed to fail, alleging that wireless operators should not be forced to comply to what he called a premature request and he will recommend the petition to be dismissed.

Skype said in their petition that carriers are controlling and limiting subscribers’ right to run software communication applications as they choose and attempt to take control over the way consumer access the mobile Internet and exclude rivals. Despite the openness principle that everyone seems to be adopting now, Martin dismissed Skype’s proposal, adding that Skype's proposal is bad for investment initiatives.

Skype was initially released in 2003, being developed by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. On 12th September 2005, it was announced that eBay would purchase Skype, alleging that it wants to integrate voice communications in its auction site.