In a major change to its offerings, Skype has officially discontinued the ability to purchase Skype Credits for pay-as-you-go phone calls. Users who once relied on buying small amounts of credit for international calls can no longer do so. Microsoft, which owns Skype, has instead begun encouraging users to opt for subscription services, marking a significant shift in how the platform operates.

Skype Credit No Longer Available
For years, Skype Credit was a handy feature that allowed users to make calls to landline and mobile phones across the globe. Available in small amounts such as $5, $10, or $25, the system allowed for flexibility, enabling users to pay only for the calls they made, with no monthly commitment. This was particularly appealing to those who only occasionally needed to call abroad, avoiding the higher costs of traditional international calls.

However, Skype has now made it clear that Skype Credit is no longer an option for new purchases. This change leaves many users who prefer the flexibility of credit-based payments with limited choices. Instead, Microsoft is promoting its subscription-based plans, which offer users access to international calling bundles. These plans differ based on which countries you wish to call, offering a set number of minutes each month, rather than the ability to pay for calls as needed.

Impact on Skype Number and SMS Features
In addition to the elimination of Skype Credits, Microsoft has also announced the discontinuation of Skype Number. Skype Number was a feature that allowed users to receive calls on their Skype account through a regular phone number. This also included the ability to send and receive SMS text messages. Although users who already have a Skype Number will be able to keep it, new users will no longer be able to obtain one.

This move by Skype reflects a larger shift in the service’s business model, aligning with subscription-based offerings rather than the pay-as-you-go model. Microsoft is focusing on providing more predictable revenue streams, pushing customers toward monthly plans that offer guaranteed income.

Why is Skype Making This Change?
While the specific reasons for Skype’s decision remain unclear, it’s widely believed that the company’s declining usage plays a role. Skype was once the go-to service for internet-based voice and video calls, but over the years, its user base has shrunk significantly due to the rise of other services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom. As of March 2023, Skype saw only 27.8 million visits, a significant drop from the 31.5 million visits it had in the same month the previous year, according to Statista.

In response to this shift, Microsoft has moved to prioritize a more stable revenue model by offering subscription plans. Instead of catering to sporadic, one-time users, Skype is now pushing customers to sign up for recurring services, a strategy that has worked for other communication platforms.

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