Microsoft has been pushing Microsoft Teams as its primary communication platform, with many expecting Skype to slowly fade into the background. However, in a surprising turn of events, Skype has made a significant change to its service, shifting the focus from credit-based purchases to a subscription model.
As of now, users can no longer buy Skype credits, which were previously used to make calls to landlines and mobile phones. This move signals a significant shift in the way Skype operates, with a greater emphasis on subscription services.
Skype users have historically purchased credits to make calls to numbers outside of the Skype network. This flexibility allowed users to top up their credits as needed, giving them control over their spending. However, with the removal of credit purchases, Skype is clearly pushing users towards its subscription plans.
Subscribing to Skype's service will provide users with unlimited calls to certain countries, in addition to other features such as call forwarding and voicemail. It remains to be seen how this change will affect Skype users, but the move could potentially alienate some who prefer the flexibility of purchasing credits.
While Skype is generally known for its free-to-use service allowing users to communicate with other Skype users, this change could attract users dissatisfied with Microsoft Teams, who are looking for a more streamlined communication experience.
As Microsoft continues to push Teams as its premier communication platform for businesses, Skype looks poised to target a more casual audience. With its new subscription model, Skype aims to offer users more flexibility and a range of additional features.
Time will tell whether this strategic shift will prove successful for Skype, but one thing is certain: this change signals a renewed focus on competition in the communication market, and it's clear that Skype is not ready to relinquish its position just yet.