Why hasn’t Skype really taken off in the US?

Let me get a few things straight first. I do not work for and am in no way affiliated with Skype. But, Skype is great. It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it’s clear as a bell when talking on it. Conference calls are easy to setup and run. Video calls are clear, not perfect, but clear and sound and look good. Also, it’s becoming more and more available. There is a Skype app for the iPhone as well as other mobile phones and it’s even on the PSP. In addition, they have very inexpensive rates for having your own phone number and making calls to regular phones. Like I said, Skype is great.

So what is the deal? Why isn’t 100% of the US on Skype? What are we waiting for? I’ve read that about 70% of the US is already on broadband. And that number is on the rise. Last time I checked, we are in a recession and money is tight. Skype is free for Skype-to-Skype calls. And Skype is cheap, cheap, cheap for Skype calls to regular phones and cell phones. So what is holding us back?

One thing could be availability. Skype is mostly limited to the home PC. Yes, there is an iPhone app in addition to applications for other mobile phones. The problem with the iPhone app is that it cannot run in the background. You have to open it to use it. You almost have to purposely coordinate with someone to make a free Skype call. Kinda defeats the purpose, right?

Also related to availability is the fact that most people’s home PC is not in a place where they hang out the most. Say you’re chillin with your significant other or your family. You’d have to excuse yourself from the room to go have a Skype call. It’s a bit of a pain in the ass.

Another thing holding people back is that unless you have a microphone on your laptop, you have to purchase another piece of equipment. Purchasing a headset or webcam with a microphone is not expensive, but it is a purchase that most people will probably put very low on their budget totem poll.

But I really don’t think availability or equipment is the real issue. In fact, I’m not sure what the real issue is. I love Skype but I don’t use it as much as I should. I’ve got it on my home PC, my personal laptop, and on my iPhone. Yet, I almost never use it. I keep telling myself that the reason I never use it is because none of my friends are on it. How weak is that excuse? Perhaps if I was on it and always encouraged everyone I know to get on it, they would.

The number of Skype users has grown every year. The number of Skype calls have grown every year. Skype is being used all over the place… and yes, including on Oprah. Europe has taken to Skype and been using it extensively for years. Now it’s our time. If you start using Skype, I will too. Let’s get this thing going and start saving our cellular minutes. Let’s cancel our home phones and just use Skype. It’s just takes a few people to encourage a few more people then next thing you know, we’re all talking for free. I want to talk for free… don’t you?