Headline: Microsoft Shifts to Subscription-Based Model for Skype Services

In a surprising move, tech giant Microsoft has made significant changes to its popular communication platform, Skype. The company has decided to discontinue the sale of Skype Credit and custom phone numbers, driving users towards subscription-based calling plans. This shift marks a departure from the previous flexibility offered by one-time credits, potentially leading to increased costs for intermittent users.

The announcement was first observed by a vigilant moderator on Microsoft’s Skype forums, revealing that users can no longer purchase Skype Credit and must opt for monthly calling subscriptions instead. While existing credit balances will remain usable if actively used every six months, new credit purchases are no longer an option. The modifications primarily impact users relying on Skype for global calls and SMS services, as Microsoft has not introduced a direct replacement for custom phone numbers.

Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype in 2011, the platform has seen a gradual decline in priority, as Teams took the spotlight. Enhanced competition from industry rivals like Zoom and Cisco has further pressured Skype in the ever-evolving landscape of remote work and video conferencing post-pandemic. Despite apparent confusion due to conflicting interface messages, Microsoft is committed to updating its messaging and service offerings accordingly.

As Skype adapts to the changing demands of the digital age, users can expect more updates and adjustments to align with evolving communication trends.