- Microsoft ditches Skype credit
- Subscription model replaces flexible calling
- Communication platform evolves drastically
Skype’s Calling Card Gets Canceled
Microsoft has silently discontinued the sale of Skype credit and phone numbers, steering users towards monthly subscription plans.
The change emerged through a volunteer moderator’s forum response, later confirmed by a Microsoft spokesperson. This strategic shift marks a significant transformation for the once-pioneering communication platform that revolutionized internet calling.
Farewell to Flexible Calling
The move impacts millions of users, potentially disrupting the communication habits of Skype’s 36 million daily active users. Previously, Skype generated revenue by charging for calls to mobile and landline numbers, allowing users to purchase local phone numbers.
Now, the platform is pushing customers toward fixed monthly plans, signaling a departure from its original flexible payment model.
From Trailblazer to Trailing Behind
Skype, acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, has seen its prominence decline amid competition from WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft’s own Teams.
The platform that once revolutionized internet communication now struggles to maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Existing Skype phone numbers will continue functioning, and current account credits remain usable, provided they’re activated within 180 days.
