Rumor has it that Skype will be launching an iPhone app next week at CTIA Wireless 2009 in Las Vegas.

"A tipster — a very reliable one — tells me that Skype is almost ready to launch [an] iPhone version, perhaps as soon as next week," writes GigaOM's Om Malik.

"Skype is keeping mum on the announcement and has declined to comment on the rumors," writes CNET's Marguerite Reardon. "But the company is hosting a press conference Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas the day before the show kicks off..."

"If true, it would close a gaping hole in iPhone offerings," writes InformationWeek's W. David Gardner. "Skype's Mobile team announced its Skype for Windows Mobile nearly four months ago, giving handset owners with the Microsoft mobile operating system a head start."

"Users can already get Skype for the iPhone using third party apps like Fring or Truphone, but a standalone Skype client could certainly boost adoption among those who want to make inexpensive calls without being tied to their computers," writes TechSpot's Jose Vilches. "It remains to be seen, however, if the service will be restricted to Wi-Fi networks only..."

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