EBay strips Skype from site

EBay has removed Skype functionality from its UK website, and it said it plans to remove the service from all of its auction listings across the globe by June 10, according to a message sent to account holders. This is the first step in eBay's move away from the VoIP service it acquired for a total of $3.4 billion in 2005. EBay plans to spin Skype off in an IPO in the first half of 2010. EBay CEO John Donahoe admitted that Skype has limited synergies with the auction company, despite initial hopes that combining voice connectivity with eBay's  core auction business would lead to more seller-buyer communication.

For more:
- see the TechCrunch post on the Skype removal here 

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