Nokia, Skype join forces

A tie-up between Nokia and Skype could allow mobile phone users to automatically access the popular internet calling service.

Developed for Nokia's Symbian smart-phone operating system, the service would mean free calling to other Skype users from a cellphone over either a WiFi or a GSM-based mobile network.

While the calling costs may be free, users would incur data costs charged by the network operator.

The announcement follows a deal with US telco Verizon last month to allow Skype calls over smart phones connected to its network. Verizon has excluded connection to Skype over Wi-Fi from its service.