• phoneNerd on More on Skype Numbers and Growth

  I found some statistics on the net that seem to support the assumption (http://www.ruell-consulting.de/product_info.php/products_id/34).
  

• richardapalmer on More on Skype Numbers and Growth

  SkypeOut charges -

  Charges by the minute are too high. Some discrepancies between downloaded CSV file from Skype site and my own log (times taken from Skype call log).

  Q - My credit consumption checks with Skype's online
  call record using non VAT charge rates. I expected the charges to incl VAT as quoted?

• websetters on More on Skype Numbers and Growth

  I believe that there is also another consideration to the perceived slow down of growth and that's associated with the phase of adoption the Skype community finds itself.

  Is it still in the 'early adopter' phase? Has the Skype network moved to the ‘early majority’ phase? It obviously has not yet reached the ‘early majority’ or ‘late majority’ phases as although the population is large – whichever of the numbers are used – it is minor when compared to the number of traditional telephones used across the world.
  
  I propose that we are still at the 'early adopter' phase, maybe approaching the ceiling of that stage where a majority of the 'early adopters' are onboard, but not yet at the 'early majority' phase. A compelling event is therefore badly needed to push over the edge to this next phase. The issue here, as with any new technology, is the ease with which the new solution can replace the old and how big is the compelling event for that change. The complication for Skype is that the humble POTS is a very simple solution that many generations have grown up with. Therefore the compelling event needs to be that much bigger to be worthwhile for many.
  
  People are sitting primarily in one of three camps. 
  
  1) Those that recognise the economical and integration benefits that Skype brings and are comfortable to embrace new technology.
  2) Those that understand some of the benefits of Skype but see it as a solution for ‘someone else’. The effort is not yet worth the benefit and effort in moving. 
  3) Those that do not know or understand that an alternative exists nor the benefits or value that an alternative may bring. 
  
  As already mentioned and commented by many, the Skype network has potentially got close to saturation of those in the first camp, hence the suspected slow down in growth. If the majority of these users are onboard, then the question is how do you bring onboard the people from the second camp? 
  
  I know of people that are heavy users of the internet and computers and wouldn't go back to the old alternatives. However, they do not yet see the need to change to an alternative to the telephone that they just pickup, dial and talk. Although Skype may be cheaper it is not yet worth the aggravation for many. It is this community that needs to be brought onboard to help return Skype growth rates to the levels of recent years.
  
  This I believe will only happen with support and active encouragement. It is well know that people do not change their banks, change their insurance companies or change their utility suppliers unless they are encouraged and supported to make that change - even when they can make considerable savings. If you can afford the current solution, then you are unlikely to have a problem. Why adopt a new solution, if you don’t recognise a problem in the first place? 
  
  As highlighted by Stuart, the incentive for existing Skypers to encourage others to join the community is fading as their buddy lists are large enough, especially when supported by SkypeIn and SkypeOut, for them to personally realise the Skype benefit. If no one is around to help others move; make it painless; provide as easy as the existing service then it is unlikely these new potential users will change. 
  
  It is now, more than at any other time, that Skype needs it’s partner network. Not just those that can provide new solutions and add-ons like voice mail and video but service organisations that can deliver the solution to the vast majority in the second and third camps. People just need to find a way to make money at offering such a service and it will happen.
  
  
  Regards
  Graeme

• continued in the Skype Journal Comment River: 200 fresh comments

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