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RadioShack to Sell Skype Kits

Skype Goes Retail with RadioShack’s Help

eBay's newly acquired Internet-phone company, Skype, will sell its telephone kits in RadioShack stores.

The 66 million-user instant messaging and voice company offers free Internet-based telephone services as well as low-cost computer-to-phone calls in the US, Europe and Asia.

According to experts, moving into the retail market will help Skype increase its profit and reach within the American broadband users.

The users will only have to install simple software, after which it works much like any other online payment service. No land line is needed, or anything else than a broadband Internet connection.

Starting Monday, RadioShack will have a special kiosk, including a Motorola headset ($100) that uses Bluetooth technology to make Skype calls. Other new products are a Logitech headset ($40) and a cordless phone from Linksys ($129).

Cheaper options include a starter kit for $5, which includes a basic earpiece and microphone, along with the software needed and 30 free minutes to call anywhere in the world.