In April of this year, 3 announced that Skype would be available on almost all of its handsets for all Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go customers in the UK. Skype-to-Skype calls are completely unlimited, without customers ever needing to top-up.

Charlotte Blanchard, Director of Products & Services at 3 says: "Our customers are a forward thinking bunch. We've seen how quickly they've embraced Skype and we've responded to what they're telling us. By making the software available on almost all handsets and removing all cost barriers to usage, we're giving consumers the compelling option of free calls."

3  has seen more than 500,000 unique Skype users on its network since the beginning of 2009, its customers have had more than 150 million free Skype conversations since November 2006.

What Mobile Editor, Jonathan Morris said: "Best Mobile Service, like all of our awards, is voted for exclusively by our readers. Clearly they put the ability to make free calls and instant messaging around the world top of the list of services they enjoy most. Skype on 3 offers consumers excellent value for money, even more so when 3 made it completely free without the need for monthly top-ups, making it a well deserved winner."