It’s possible to use Skype from a mobile phone. 3 are the most innovative and offer two main ways to use Skype. The first is to buy an X-Series phone that already includes special Skype software configured for use on 3. The second option is to buy 3’s SkypePhone - a great, small 3G phone optimised for use with Skype.

If you don’t want to use 3 then it’s also possible to install Skype’s own software on some Java phones.

With all these solutions, it doesn’t work the same as Skype on your PC. The first leg of the call is actually a normal voice call to a Skype server that then relays the call in the usual way. This means you will pay for this outgoing call unless you are with 3 in which case 3 detect these special calls and don’t bill you.

Skype on 3 is even possible on Pay As You Go. The service is active as long as you top up at least £10 each month.

It’s not possible to use SkypeOut and SkypeIn from a mobile on 3. Hence, it’s main use is for calling people in the UK or abroad who also have Skype (on their PC or mobile Phone).

3 have a new special half price mobile broadband offer if you sign an 18 month contract and are a new or existing customer on either Mix and Match or Unlimited Texter phone contracts.

I am told this is a limited time offer and won’t be available for very long.

If you predominantly use testing then you might be interested in 3’s new unlimited texter plans. If you take their £25 or £35 tariff then you get 500 or 750 inclusive minutes with unlimited texts. They also offer a 12 month contract that doesn’t tie you up for too long.

Broadband mobile access is connecting your PC or laptop to  a USB modem or mobile phone so that it can access the Internet.

T-Mobile have a special offer on until 30th April. They are taking £5 off their £20/month broadband Internet tariff. That’s £15/month for up to 3Gb/month.

However, the offer isn’t that special. Three also offer a 3Gb/month tariff for £15/month. What’s more it’s only a 18 month contract as opposed to T-Mobile’s 24 month commitment. Prices are expected to fall over the coming years so it’s best not to be locked in for a long time. T-Mobile does however allow free access to wireless HotSpots that might make this more attractive depending on your circumstances.

The best value Broadband tariff at the moment is actually UK 3’s pay as you go tariff. For just £5 a month you get up to 2Gb access/month. That’s less expensive than all on-contract tariffs. Get a SIM only on PAYG and put it in an old or 2nd hand phone that acts as a modem (for example Windows Mobile phone or Nokia S60 phone) and you can connect your laptop to the phone via cable or Bluetooth.