iPhone TIPS: Skype calls over 3G EDGE and GPRS?

The Internet Phone Company Skype, which is part of eBay Inc. is planning to launch its service for iPhone users tomorrow 31th March. A free Skype iPhone and iPod 2G app is expected in the App Store as of tomorrow. Q: But hey what is new? A: The App Store App called Fring (free app), allows the same function. With Fring you can:

• Login with your Skype account
• Instant Message your Skype friends.
• Make Skype calls with your Skype friends over WiFi
  
• And supports MSN,SIP, ICQ, GTalk, Twitter Chat, Yahoo Chat, AIM Chat

Note that there are jailbreak tricks to make Fring work over 3G. And if you wish, you can make Fring always active, while doing other things with your iPhone. Another alternative is the also free NimBuzz app [App Store link] which does nearly the same as Fring.
Q: So what is the disadvantage with Fring? A: Well Fring works fine on WiFi, but there are reports about heavy delays with Skype and SIP voice calls. It has been reported on several blogs that the Fring signal always passes a proxy server, before actually goes to the Skype or SIP server. Rumours are that the proxy server is causing delays. I have to admit it can be very annoying if you have a serious discussion and you facing delays like you calling over a slow satelite link and your connection get disrupted.
Q: Are there other applications beside Fring with less delay issues over 3G. A: Yes, in the Cydia (jailbreak) library you can find SIAX. This is an SIP and IAX (comparison here) client. Okay no skype here, but for cheap calls withou delays, SIAX can do the tricks. You can try it for free and cost you just a few bucks to use it forever! The cool thing is, it works over 3G - Edge - and GPRS!
Q: Okay so what can we expect tomorrow with the Skype App? A: Skype Chief Operating Officer Scott Durchslag said:

"The No. 1 request we get from customers is to make Skype available on iPhone. There's a pent-up demand," Durchslag said in an interview before the CTIA annual mobile showcase in Las Vegas, where Skype plans to launch the service on Tuesday."
"One of Skype's unusual iPhone features is the fact that it allows subscribers use to the phone numbers in their existing iPhone address book so they do not need duplicate lists."

Note: With SIAX, you are able to select a contact from your regular addressbook and dial it via SIP or IAX.

Features:
It is a Free app in the App Store

• Free Skype to Skype calls
• WiFi only, no 3G support out-of-the-box
  
• Works on iPhone 1st gen, 3G
  
• Works on iPod Touch 2G with microphone (Sept 2008)
• NO video support (yet)

[via reuters.com]

Conclusion:
The Skype app is expected to work over WiFi only. There are other alternatives to make cheap calls. Fring and Nimbuzz are excellent App Store examples for IM and cheap voice calls. It is known that voice calls over 3G, Edge and GPRS are possible, but a jailbreak is needed. The Siax app is only available after a jailbreak and supports WiFi, 3G Edge and GPRS.
[UPDATE] Excellent screenshot via CNET here

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