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Skype has conceived of a unique holiday-themed gift that will likely boost usage of its service and its reputation to boot. The Internet service is offering free WiFi in more than 60 airports in the U.S. from Dec. 21 through Dec. 27, enabling Skype users to place voice and video calls while they're waiting for that next connection, or worse—snowbound and stuck in Chicago.
Linda Summers of Skype wrote in a blog post that the company is offering a free hour of Internet access to third-party wireless hotspots within the Skype WiFi hotspot footprint. This holiday gift from Skype to stressed-out travelers encourages more account activations and also serves to personalize the brand.
Skype launched a Twitter hashtag (#freeskypewifi) tied to the giveaway that's gotten some good, upbeat traction. Mostly, Twitter users have been expressing gratitude toward Skype: “#freeskypewifi in over 50 airports this holiday season. Thanks @skype!”, “How nice is this? @Skype offers free WiFi hotspots in US airports during the holiday season” and “check out Free Wi-Fi for 50 Airports This Holiday, Thanks to Skype…#freeskypewifi.”
It's not easy finding the perfect gift, but Skype has managed to pull it off, and with perfect timing—its announcement hit during a slow news cycle, guaranteeing it widespread coverage.