Skype is offering an interpreter service in more than 150 languages to users of its voice over IP (VoIP) phone service.
To offer the service, Skype has teamed up with language services firm Language Line Services, as well as Voxeo, which supplies interactive voice response technology. Skype says that a live professional Language Line Services interpreter could be on the line in minutes for users needing help to communicate with each other.
The service could be of particular value for business users communicating with others outside their own countries, or when travelling.
Skype, owned by eBay, recently started a big push for its service into the business market.
Language Line Services's Personal Interpreter Service uses Voxeo's Prophecy voice platform to automate the transfer of calls from the Skype network.
The round-the-clock service costs £1.75 a minute.
