Skype partners with 3 for 3 Skypephone, 3G handset with Skype support

No points on the naming of the 3 Skypephone, but props to the deal that offers the first Skype handset on a carrier’s network. The UMTS 3 Skypephone is a 3G handset that offers traditional wireless calls but also provides the wide range of Skype services. Similar to some free mobile-to-mobile plans, the new handset offers free Skype Mobile to Skype Mobile calls and Skype instant messaging.The Qualcomm-based handset offers 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 1.1, 1150 mAh battery, two-inch QCIF screen (176 x 220) and microSD card slot. Folks in the U.K. can grab the new device this week, starting on November 2nd. The 3 Skypephone is free with a contract or you can pay £49.95 without. Look for the handset to hit Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Macau and Sweden later this year. If this image from TechShout is correct, the 3 Skypephone looks eerily like some of the Skype WiFi phones we’ve seen.