Skype Offers Interpreting Service In 150 Languages

Skype has teamed up with two firms to provide an interpreters service in more than 150 languages for callers using the VoIP service.

Announced Thursday the service utilizes solutions from Language Line Services, a language services firm, and Voxeo, which provides standards-based interactive voice response (IVR) technology. Generally callers will communicate in English and another language. The offerings range from Arabic to Vietnamese.

The service is touted as being available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at a cost of $2.99 a minute.

A live, professional Language Line Services (LLS) interpreter can be available on the phone in minutes, according to the companies. LLS' Personal Interpreter Service utilizes Voxeo's Prophecy voice platform to automate the transfer of calls from Skype.