Wireless and Skype announce that mobile with video will soon be available on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network. This new version of Skype mobile from Verizon Wireless will be deeply integrated into a wide range of 4G smartphones to be available by mid-2011. With front- and rear-facing cameras, these Android-based 4G LTE smartphones will make it simple for customers to make Skype-to-Skype video calls over Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.

Customers will be able to see and hear their friends and family when making or receiving Skype-to-Skype video calls on Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, the fastest and most advanced 4G network in the nation. The new offer expands Skype’s video calling capabilities for millions and provides a great video experience using the speed, low-latency and quality of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE wireless network.

“Skype mobile with video is the kind of application that truly shows off what a 4G network can mean to consumers. Keeping in touch with friends and family will be more enjoyable because video calling over the fastest and most advanced 4G network is coming. Finally, using Skype mobile with video, ‘you can see what I see, and I can see what you see’ becomes reality, and it’s because of the combination of Skype and Verizon Wireless – and our 4G LTE network,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless.

“We heard the demand for mobile video calling loud and clear from our users and are delighted to meet this demand with a mobile video calling product that takes advantage of Verizon Wireless’ new network in the U.S.,” said Russ Shaw, general manager and vice president of Skype’s Mobile Business Unit. “Skype mobile with video will enable Verizon Wireless and Skype users to share special moments face to face with those who matter most – from wherever they may be.”

Consumer devices with a wide range of applications, including Skype mobile with video, are expected to be available by mid-2011. The low-latency of the 4G LTE network makes it ideal for video calling and chatting across the room to another wireless phone or around the world to a PC or Mac.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company’s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.

Skype mobile with video represents the next phase in the strategic relationship between the two companies, which began last year when Verizon Wireless and Skype launched the initial version of Skype mobile for Verizon Wireless customers. Skype mobile continues to provide customers with Skype-to-Skype voice calls over Verizon Wireless’ leading network.

More details on Skype mobile with video will be available at CES in Verizon Wireless’ booth (#35216 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center).