KDDI Corporation and Skype, a leading provider of Internet communications software, announced a strategic alliance that will integrate Skype across KDDI’s services, starting with its mobile offerings – “au”.

Skype will initially be made available on the au Android™ smartphone “IS03” and “IS01” from November this year; with plans for deeper integration on a range of au Android devices as well as BREW devices in 2011.

Under the partnership, the two companies have created a whole new communications experience for Japanese users, offering them a superior, high quality and innovative way to connect with friends and family both domestically as well as internationally.

Japanese customers on the KDDI network can bring their Skype conversations with them wherever they go and stay connected with their friends at all times by sending and receiving Instant Messages with the Skype app running in the background. At launch, users will also be able to make unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user in Japan and around the globe without being charged against their monthly minute allowance or data plan1. Skype uses KDDI’s voice network for Skype-to-Skype calls, giving users a reliable connection and top-notch call quality.

KDDI customers with data plans will also be able to enjoy the following Skype features on their au device:

* Have the Skype app “always on” and see your friends’ online status at any time

* Enjoy unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls

* Stay connected via Instant Messaging

* Call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates

* Participate in group chats and conference calls

“Skype™ on au is a breakthrough in giving customers in Japan unlimited, global communications options, while expanding their calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users worldwide,” said Mr. Takashi Tanaka, Senior Vice President, member of the board of KDDI. “We look forward to working closely with Skype to extend these benefits beyond mobile to broadband, fixed line and cable, and thereby maximize the satisfaction of our customers in every area of our business.”

“Skype is pleased to partner with KDDI to deliver a high quality, innovative communications experience for Japanese consumers,” said Skype interim CEO, Adrian Dillon. “KDDI’s position as a leading network provider in Japan that offers a wide range of communications services, makes it a natural partner for Skype given our vision to make Skype available everywhere and enable users to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go.”