Skype phases out credits and phone numbers

Microsoft has removed two key premium features from Skype: the ability to buy credits and custom phone numbers. The company is now pushing users towards monthly calling subscriptions, which are priced regionally and globally. This change was first announced by a volunteer moderator on Microsoft's Skype forums, who stated that Skype has stopped selling credits and the only option is now a monthly subscription. Existing Skype numbers will still work, and users can still use their remaining credits, but once they're out of credits, they'll need to purchase a subscription. Skype-to-Skype calls are still free, but users who want to call or message non-Skype lines or display a custom number will be affected by the changes. The removal of Skype Number means users will need to seek out other platforms for a virtual phone number that can be answered over VoIP. Microsoft confirmed the changes, stating that the company continuously evaluates its product strategy based on customer usage and needs. The decision to remove these features is likely due to Skype's decline in popularity, with alternatives like Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp becoming more popular. Microsoft has also shifted its focus to promoting its Teams platform, and it no longer actively advertises Skype. The removal of these premium features may affect a significant number of users who rely on them, and they will now need to weigh the cost of a subscription or shop around for alternative services.