Microsoft has quietly discontinued the sale of Skype Credit and Skype Number, two popular features that allowed users to make calls and receive calls on their Skype accounts. The move marks a significant shift in the company's strategy, as it pushes users towards a subscription-based model.

Skype Credit was a pay-as-you-go plan that enabled users to make calls to landlines and mobile phones over the internet, while Skype Number allowed users to have a phone number that people could call to reach their Skype account. Both features have been an integral part of Skype's offerings for years, making it a popular choice for users who wanted to make international calls or receive calls from non-Skype users.

According to Amit Fulay, vice president of Microsoft Teams and Skype, "new sales of Skype numbers and Skype credit have stopped, but customers can still use existing Skype numbers and credits." However, users will no longer be able to purchase additional Skype Credit or acquire new Skype Numbers. Existing users can still use their existing Skype Numbers and Credits, but it seems inevitable that Microsoft will eventually force them to switch to a subscription-based model.

The move is seen as part of Microsoft's efforts to revamp Skype and make it more competitive in the communication app market. Skype has struggled to remain relevant in recent years, facing stiff competition from popular apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime. Microsoft has been focusing more on its Teams platform, especially after launching a personal version of Teams in 2020.

Earlier this year, Microsoft made a surprise decision to remove ads from Skype, alongside new features like AI image creation. The company seems to be betting on a subscription-based model to generate revenue, rather than relying on ads or pay-as-you-go plans.

While the discontinuation of Skype Credit and Skype Number may come as a disappointment to some users, Microsoft is offering alternative solutions. Users can purchase new outbound PSTN calling services through monthly Skype subscriptions or use Skype's free VoIP services for voice or video calls. However, there is still no direct replacement for having a phone number that people can ring to get to your Skype account.

The move is seen as a significant shift in Microsoft's strategy for Skype, and it will be interesting to see how users respond to the changes. As the company continues to evolve Skype and focus on its subscription-based model, it remains to be seen whether it can regain its footing in the competitive communication app market.

In the meantime, users who rely on Skype Credit and Skype Number will need to find alternative solutions or adapt to the new subscription-based model. As Microsoft continues to push users towards its subscription-based services, it's clear that the company is committed to transforming Skype into a more modern and competitive communication platform.