If only E.T. had waited. NETGEAR is finally shipping their new Skype WiFi SPH101 Phone to pre-ordered customers in the U.S. and Canada. With Skype you can make unlimited free calls to your other Skype buds both here and abroad without a computer. All you need is access to a WiFi network that doesn’t require a browser. You can also make calls to other cells and landline phones for a few cents a minute without a nasty monthly fee.

Preloaded with software, the Skype features wireless security through WEP and WPA-PSK, is compatible with 802.11b/g WiFi standards, has call-forwarding, and receives updates without the use of a USB cable. Weighing in at a mere .11kg and at dimensions of 110 X 46 X21mm, it utilizes a TFT screen with a menu that displays your contacts and their availability.

Skype will be available in October to Europe, Asia-Pacific, and online retailers at an MSRP of $249.99. It comes with a one-year warranty and full tech support. As a bonus prize, you get 30 free SkypeOut minutes and 30 days of free voicemail. Multiple language support will also be available later this year.