Skype signs on over 27 million users in one day

Congratulations to Skype. We’ve just learned that the number of Skype users online reached over 27 million today. Yesterday’s high was below 26 million. Therefore, on the same day, Skype has bolted through not only the 26 million threshold, but the 27 million threshold as well. Skype reports an average of 124 million users per month.

So why all the activity? Perhaps it’s all the press Skype has been getting over its recent announcements. Skype has already had a huge 2011. First, they purchased mobile savvy video streaming service Qik for a rumored $100-$150 million. Then they announced a partnership with Panasonic and Sony to introduce Skype-enabled Blu-ray Players. They also launched group video calling for consumers and enterprises, allowing people to see each other more, no matter where they are. And lastly, a partnership with Verizon: Skype mobile with video will soon be available on the Verizon 4G LTE Mobile Broadband Network. That means Skype will come ready on all new Verizon LTE smartphones, out of the box in 2011.

See our recent interview with Skype, GM and VP Jonathan Christensen at CES last week where he also explains Skype’s huge popularity on the iPhone- over one million app downloads in the first day. We’re looking forward to seeing big things from Skype this year.