Microsoft Skype Deal May Strain Relations With AT&T, Verizon

Microsoft Corp. may have a tougher time convincing wireless operators to support mobile phones with Windows software after its $8.5 billion purchase of Skype Technologies SA, analysts said.

Skype’s Internet-calling service will be on Windows phones, as well as Microsoft’s Xbox and Kinect game consoles, the Redmond, Washington-based company said today. Skype lets members make free voice and video calls to each other, and calls to most outsiders for 2.3 cents a minute.