Skype for Android Works Over WiFi. Wait, it Doesn't! Oh, WiFi Can be Turned on But Skype Call Still on Verizon Network. Got That?

This is a summary of a Skype for Android story that took a couple of zigs and zags over the course of the past day. Android Central first reported that:

Skype Mobile for Android now works over 3G *and* Wifi (but still Verizon-only)

Ah! Nice! Right? Then, they followed up with:

Skype Mobile update does not allow use of Wifi after all [updated]

This follow-up article provided a reference to Skype’s own blog post:

Improvements to Skype mobile for DROID and BlackBerry phones on Verizon Wireless

So, what’s the actual story? It is a bit of an oddity and easy to understand how it can confuse even the geekiest of tech fans.

When Skype for Android was released, it came with a couple of restrictions. The biggest is that the app is only available for Android phones on Verizon’s network (in the U.S.). Another biggie was that it only worked over a Verizon voice/3G wireless data connection. And, finally, it would not work if the phone’s WiFi radio was turned on. The updated app still does not use WiFi data for a Skype voice call. However, it now works even if the WiFi radio is turned on. The Skype voice call still goes over Verizon’s network, however. Got that? Clear as mud, eh?

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