Verizon Wireless and Skype announced a partnership Tuesday to bring the Internet calling service to nine of the carrier's 3G smartphones beginning in March.

With the free Skype Mobile application, Verizon smartphone users can make and receive unlimited free calls to other users who have Skype.

They can also use it to call any international phone number at Skype's standard rates.

The Skype traffic won't be counted against customers' voice or data plans.

This is the latest evidence of the evolution of mobile network service model. The mobile operators are seriously considering to make the shift from service provider to connectivity provider, like the ISPs of the fixed world, offering data transport service to 3rd party.

This will definitely attract more subscribers to Verizon network. Great move!