Microsoft to end Skype WiFi by March 31 to focus on ‘core’ features

Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue its Skype WiFi service as of March 31 to focus on ‘core’ features. Skype's WiFi service that proved quite popular with travelers looking to minimize data roaming charges lets users buy Wi-Fi access in paid public hotspots for a fee typically smaller than the one charged by the hotspot owner.

Microsoft has started to send out notices to users about the closure, saying that "we're retiring Skype WiFi globally so we can better focus our efforts on bringing you the best possible experience through our core Skype features."

The service currently covers some 2 million hotspots globally. The company says that if you are a Skype user who bought credit to use for the WiFi service, you can use it toward other Skype services, such as calling non-Skype numbers. And anyone who does not want to use to pay for other Skype features should get in touch with customer services.