Internet phone calling

Cisco Systems'

division has teamed up with

, the Internet communications company, to market a new cordless phone that takes free Skype Internet phone calling off the computer and puts it into the hands of callers.

The new Internet Telephony Kit (CIT200) provides callers with an alternative to making free Skype calls while at their computer, giving them the freedom to make free Skype calls wherever they are in the home or office.

The CIT200 will be available from October 17 from more than 3,000 online and high street retailers throughout North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Internet Telephony Kit includes a handset, charger and a USB base station that plugs into a computer's USB port. The handset lets callers take their free Skype calling off the PC and into other rooms using the compatible USB base station.

The handset can read and display callers' Skype contact list on its built-in illuminated display, letting callers know which of their Skype contacts are online and ready to be called.

The handset also supports SkypeOut, SkypeIn and Skype Voicemail, low-cost premium services that allows callers to make and receive calls to family, friends and colleagues using traditional landlines or mobile phones, and send and receive messages up to 10 minutes long.