Thanks to Skype International and Boingo Wireless partnership - users will now be able to access Skype's VoIP technology from 18,000 Wi-Fi hot spots worldwide.

Skype spokesperson Kelly Larabee said that Skype Zones powered by Boingo are geared not only toward business travellers and students but also toward any wireless user in search of cheap international calling.

Available in coffee shops, bookstores and hotels, as well as other public places,
Skype Zones offer VoIP users unlimited access to Boingo's public broadband for US$7.95 per month. Also, infrequent users can pay $2.95 for a two-hour connection, the companies said in a press release.

At present a beta version of the product is currently available on the companies' website. The company pointed out that prices and availability might change before the final version is released.

Skype International's existing offers will remain. The company gives users the ability to make free calls to other Skype users over the Internet and also allows its customers to make VoIP calls to traditional fixed line and mobile networks at significantly reduced rates.

Companies such as Skype, Boingo, and competitor Broadreach Networks look to capitalize on developing mobile technology such as mobile Internet telephony in order to keep adding users.