Skype has announced that U.S. and Canadian-based Skype users can make free calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan during three 'Skype Days of Summer' weekends, starting Saturday, July 15th. The three countries represent some of the most frequently called countries by Skype users and are among the leading destinations for all international calling originating from the United States and Canada.

Free SkypeOut calling to the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan is available weekends July 15-16, July 22-23 and July 29-30, respectively. The free international SkypeOut calling offer to each country runs 48 hours from 12:01 a.m. EDT Saturdays through Sundays at midnight EDT, when international calling is at a peak.

According to a recent company-issued survey of its users, 70% of Skype users say the most important reasons they use Skype is to stay in touch with family and friends abroad, to make inexpensive calls to landlines and mobile phones, and for free calling to other Skype users anywhere in the world. In addition, of Skype users surveyed, nearly 25% use Skype to make 100% of their international calls. 30% of users state their friends are "spread around the globe."

According to the 2000 U.S. census, there are more than 10 million people currently residing in the United States who were born in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan, combined. In Canada, according to the 2001 census, that figure is more than 650,000. With likely personal ties to their birthplaces, Skype considers these individuals to be valuable potential Skype users.