Skype today announced that U.S. and Canadian-based Skype users can make free calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan during three 'Skype Days of Summer' weekends, starting Saturday, July 15th.

Free SkypeOut calling to the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan is available weekends July 15-16, July 22-23 and July 29-30, respectively. The free international SkypeOut calling offer to each country runs 48 hours from 12:01 a.m. EDT Saturdays through Sundays at midnight EDT, when international calling is at a peak.

"This free international calling offer is yet another way Skype is making it easy and affordable for people in the U.S. and Canada to try Skype and discover the benefits of being able to easily stay in touch with friends and family all over the world," said Don Albert, general manager, Skype North America. "We think free calling to these three major countries is a great reason for people to try Skype and is a special thank you for our existing U.S. and Canadian customers."

According to the 2000 U.S. census, there are more than 10 million people currently residing in the United States who were born in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan, combined. In Canada, according to the 2001 census, that figure is more than 650,000. With likely personal ties to their birthplaces, Skype considers these individuals to be valuable potential Skype users.