Skype launches new premium services, plans more

Skype International SA has commercially launched beta versions of two new premium services, with two more in the pipeline, as the Internet telephone company moves to generate revenue from VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) technology.

"We now offer customers the opportunity to purchase phone numbers so they can be reached by non-Skype users with ordinary fixed or mobile phones, and to sign up for a voicemail service," said Skype spokeswoman Kat James on Monday. "We are also planning a video conferencing service and another tailored for small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) in the near future. Adding new premium services to our free Skype-to-Skype offer is something we've planned from the start."

Under the SkypeIn service, users can buy up to three numbers currently available in eight countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Norway, Sweden, the U.K and the U.S. A three-month subscription costs