WebProNews

Adding to its aggressive campaign to attract more users, Skype launched a promotional offer called the "Skype Days of Summer" that allows US and Canadian SkypeOut users to make free international calls to the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Japan during three July weekends.

Beginning Saturday July 15, Skype subscribers will be able to make the free calls between noon EDT and midnight Saturday and Sunday. The offer will be repeated for the July 22-23 and July 29-30 weekends.

Skype says the UK, Mexico, and Japan are the most frequently called country by Skype users in the US and Canada. According to a company survey, 70 percent of Skype subscribers cite staying in touch with family and friends abroad as their main reason for using the service.

"We think free calling to these three major countries is a great reason for people to try Skype and is a special thank you for our existing U.S. and Canadian customers," said Don Albert, general manager, Skype North America.

Over 10 million people in the US were born in the UK, Mexico, or Japan, according to the 2000 census. In Canada, who took a census in 2001, there are over 650,000 people who listed one of those three countries as their birthplace.

Jason L. Miller is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.