eBay subsidiary Skype, which offers free PC-to-PC internet-based calls, has stopped charging users for telephoning landline phones and cellphones in the U.S. and Canada, reports the Associated Press. Previously charging 2 cents a minute, SkypeOut will be free until the end of the year. Henry Gomez, general manager of Skype North America, said "free SkypeOut calling will rapidly accelerate Skype adoption in the U.S. and Canada."

Skype's move to step up growth may be an indication that it is behind schedule in reaching targets outlined at the time of the eBay purchase, points out BusinessWeek. Skype founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis and other Skype owners and executives could receive about $1.5 billion if growth targets are met in the coming years.

Skype, which was acquired last year by eBay for $2.6 billion, recently announced it had 100 million registered users worldwide.