Skype has come to the iPhone. Everyone’s favorite VoIP application is available on the iPhone (and iPod touch) but only via Wi-Fi.
This means that you need to connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to use it. Its a start, but what it really needs to do is to work over a 3G connection.
Appearently carriers’ and Apple’s Terms of Service prevent VoIP calls being made over 3G connections. Having said that, there are rumours that Skype running on handsets using the soon to be released OS 3.0 are able to use a 3G link for voice calls, in addition to WiFi. It remains to be seen if this will actually be the case.
While looking for more info around Skype over 3G, I did find several articles and tutorials that talk about using Skye over 3G for those that are prepared to Jailbreak their iPhones. For most of us (including me) this isn't an option.
Even though it misses out on this crucial component - what is there works great. The good news, though, is for iPod Touch owners - if you have a 2G Touch and headphones with a microphone, you get the same functionality as the iPhone.
After installing the 2.7MB app, you enter your username and password. You then see your contacts list. You can either see all contacts and narrow them down by typing into the search field, or opt to see only online contacts.
Touch a contact and you get the usual Skype choices: call or chat. Chatting works just like IM, with you and your chat partner’s pictures showing up next to speech bubbles containing the text. Neat and easy. You can also switch between chats and the app keeps your old chats so you can pick up where you left off.
While some insist that the phone part works fine (or as well as Skype on the desktop which means mixed quality and reliability) many users have insisted its a bit buggy.
According to the iTunes store, the Skype application has already been reviewed 1,376 times and has an average rating of 3.5 stars. Already many of the user reviews written on are negative, with users calling the app 'buggy' and complaining about crashes.
In addition to crashing at the launch of the app, many users are finding that phone calls placed with Skype aren't lasting long with the duration of calls lasting up to 60 seconds and crashing repeatedly.
Hopefull the stability of the app improves. As for legitmate Skye over 3G? I don't think I'll be hold my breath... 
