Skype for Nokia Smartphones

Internet calling firm Skype has released software for Nokia’s Symbian operating system, expanding its reach to more than 200 million smartphones around the world.

The Luxembourg-based company said the new Skype for Symbian application lets users make free Skype-to-Skype calls, for potentially huge savings on domestic and international calls by using data rather than voice minutes.

Skype and Google Voice have come to the center of attention in recent months as federal regulators investigated policies that carriers implemented to banning the use of Internet voice services, which directly competes with their wireless businesses.

Nokia has been ramping up Internet services to boost its sales in the highly competitive smartphone market. Last month, it began giving away Ovi Maps, its navigation software.

The company said Skype for Symbian software is available for free download from Nokia’s Ovi Store and is compatible with any device running the latest version of its mobile platform. Skype added that it will soon release its service for other Symbian devices from handset makers including Sony Ericsson.