In effect, users will now be able to use Skype software to make video calls using a set-top box and a special remote control.  The remote control will also have a keyboard, allowing users to chat. It will not matter whether the other party is using a phone, a computer or a TV to make the call.

Skype-enabled TV sets have already been available in the market since about a year.  However, this is the first time a cable network operator will offer such a facility.

The trial of this new scheme is expected to start in a few months’ time. Details regarding the cost of the software involved are not yet available. However, it is reasonable to assume, that it would cost less than a Skype-enabled TV.

Once the service is functional, when users receives a call, they will be able to view the caller ID and decide whether they want to talk with the caller, have a video conference or just chat. The service will allow users to make low cost Internet video calls while watching programmes on television.

This deal has come following the recent purchase of Skype by Microsoft for a record $8.5 billion. It will also renew user interest in cable TV connections, possibly reversing the trend among users to switch away from traditional cable to other options such as Netflix, Hulu and other Web-based services.

A post on the Official Google Blog announced that the newly created wireless network will be a combination of Clearwire’s existing WiMax business, Sprint’s broadband infrastructure and the 2.5 GHz spectrum. The company will be 51% owned by Sprint but will be headquartered in Clearwire’s premises in Washington state.

Michael Mace, a principal at Rubicon Consulting reports that Google will provide search and applications such as Gmail, Maps and YouTube to the network’s users, in exchange for their contribution of $500 million. Clearwire will sell Google Android handsets. Google and Clearwire will also form an open Internet Protocol, which will be coordinated with mobile broadband devices and also Android powered devices.

Google has got a very good deal out of this partnership. If thing go according to plan, they could have direct access to a US-wide network of mobile Internet users for a fraction of the amount Verizon paid for the 700 MHz wireless spectrum.

This new network will allow its customers to choose their software applications, content and handsets as per their requirements. Users will thus be free to employ the openness principles of the Internet and have a mobile broadband experience that isn’t dictated by operator or handset manufacturer limitations.

Clearwire will build and maintain a WiMax network that will be able to support these new open standards for spectrum as well as wireless handsets. This new network will afford its users high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the United States. Users will be free to utilise any lawful applications, content and devices without any kind of censorship or blocking of Internet traffic.

According to Sprint, the WiMax network is not expected to be widely accessible until 2010. These are all forward looking statements and the end results may differ substantially from current projections.