Skype’s Internet calling service will soon be accessible at The Cloud’s Wi-Fi hot spots across Europe, reports C/Net.

Although normal online access to Skype’s voice over Internet Protocol services is free to those connecting via PC, access to The Cloud’s Wi-Fi network will require the use of a Skype-enabled phone from SMC Networks and cost 6.99-pound monthly (about $13).

Unlike other devices that must connect with a computer, the SMC/Skype phone will work anywhere where you can find wireless Internet connections.

“This agreement delivers on our commitment to provide the widest range of Wi-Fi services to customers across Europe,” said Niall Murphy, The Cloud’s chief technology officer, on Tuesday, adding that the deal “marks the start of a real low-cost alternative to traditional telecoms services.”

The service will launch in the U.K. in October and spread to other European countries by the end of the year. The Cloud operates more than 8,500 hot spots around Europe.

At the moment, the only handset capable of being used in the service is the Skype SMC WSKP100 phone which is available now in North America at an MSRP of $199.99, is shipping to resellers across North America and Europe. A spokesperson for The Cloud confirmed to ZDNet UK that it was “actively working with handset and other types of device providers to ensure these products work well in the public Wi-Fi environment.”

The Cloud and Skype use a VoIP solution, but T-Mobile is testing an alternative approach using UMA.

T-Mobile in Seattle is testing Unlicensed Mobile Access. It uses a combo WiFi/cellular phone that automatically hands off cellular calls to WiFi hotspots, including those in the home as well as T-Mobile hotspots at Starbucks and other locations.

WiFi calls would not use cellular minutes but T-Mobile would require an additional monthly fee for WiFi voice service. T-Mobile is expected to roll out the service nation-wide shortly.

Initial adopters may be offered a choice of handsets such as D-Link’s V-Click (above), in addition to the already revealed Samsung T709, Nokia 6136, LG CL400 and other smartphones that support UMA.

The focus of T-Mobile’s UMA service will likely be home users at first. These folks should be able use their phones for cellular calls or make voice over Wi-Fi calls through their own home network, without needing a separate service like Skype, which would entail getting a separate phone number. Reef Point Systems today announced a broad range of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) solutions for UMA applications.

The down side of this service is it will require a special Wi-Fi router and a phone that supports UMA. Reportedly, T-Mobile will be offering the routers to customers to install in their homes, and UMA service will likely be added to routers at T-Mobile’s hotspots around the world.

Posted by Sam Churchill on Wednesday, October 11th, 2006 at 3:06 am.