Connectotel today announced the launch of the public Beta test of its new ‘Skype to SMS’ service. This new service allows Skype users to send SMS text messages from within Skype Chat to any GSM mobile phone user.

Marcus Williamson of Connectotel comments:

"We launched our 'SMS to Skype' service just three weeks ago and have been very pleased with the positive feedback from Skype users. Now we are adding the next logical progression: 'Skype to SMS'. T he current private Beta testers have already shown enormous enthusiasm for being able to send SMS text messages from Skype Chat using this new service. Now we are opening up the service to a wider public."

To use the service

1. Just add the Skypename smsgateway to your Skype Contacts list and request authorization from the smsgateway user.
2. Skype users start a Chat with the Skype user called smsgateway, then type the following from within the Skype Chat window to send a message:
    
   +number message
    
3. The message is transmitted to Connectotel's 'Skype to SMS' gateway system and is passed from there to the GSM network.

'Skype to SMS' is available as a Beta test service for all users of Skype who have been authorized by Connectotel. There is no charge for the SMS messages sent, for the duration of the Beta test. The 'SMS to Skype' Beta test service is available free of charge to all users of Skype.

Connectotel is examining the possibility of providing other gateway services, including, for example, links to and from e-mail, fax and outside data feeds, based on similar technology.

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(Note: I have added the smsgateway to my skype but have yet to receive the authorization yet)