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Mobile phone operator 3 and internet communications company Skype have launched a new handset that will allow users to make free internet calls.

The companies say that owners of the new 3 Skypephone will also be able to send free instant messages from their mobile to other Skype users.

It marks the first time that a mobile phone operator has provided a handset which is designed for free calling over the internet, with analysts saying that mobile companies have previously been reluctant to let their customers freely access the Skype service for fear it could hurt their profits.

Skype, a division of internet auction giant eBay which has 246 million registered customers, said the launch of the new 3G internet phone meant that its internet telephone service was now "truly mobile".

"This new handset is incredibly easy to use and lets you make free mobile Skype calls when you are on the move to other Skype users all over the world no matter where they are," said Skype's acting chief executive Michael van Swaaij.

"Skype began by offering free PC to PC calling and now we're doing the same with mobile calls with 3," he added, stressing that with the help of the company's commercial partner Skype had taken a "giant step forward in the mobile arena".

Kevin Russell, chief executive of 3 UK, said the initiative had the potential to boost the number of phone calls made over the internet.

"To enable Skype to go mobile in this way brings free internet calls together with an affordable 3G handset. Mobile has the potential to massively increase access to internet calling," he explained.

The new 3 Skypephone will be on sale in the UK from November 2nd, at a price of £49.99 for pay-as-you-go customers. New contract customers will receive the handset for free.