Will the Nokia N97 ship with Skype pre-installed or will it not?

Nokia has informed us that it plans to offer a whole host of applications pre-bundled with its new flagship device, so singling out one application at this early stage seems to be taking it widely out of context.

This is especially true when you consider that the final release details of the Nokia N97 have yet to be confirmed.

We reported previously that a number of operators were considering not taking the Nokia N97 if it ships with Skype pre-installed. This seems to be seriously wide of the mark. We’ve spoken to Nokia and it seems this story has grown hugely out of proportion (we put it down to a slow, slow news day).

After all, Skype is readily available as a free download for S60 devices, as well as a whole host of other operating systems, so even if it doesn’t come pre-bundled with the Nokia N97, there is nothing to stop anyone who wants to use Skype on their Nokia N97 from doing so.

With this in mind, it seems there is little truth in telcos calling a ban on its inclusion. Nokia told us that it continues to have a strong relationship with all UK operators, and is looking forward to working with them ALL in the launch of the Nokia N97, which is due to hit stores in June.

In the meantime, if you want to see what all the fuss is and use Skype on your current S60 Nok, then grab yourself a free copy of Skype Mobile.