Three and ZTE F102 Saga: We ... haven’t altered any functionality for Skype

UPDATE: I wrote this application as a workaround. Three it seems are changing Skype on other phones on the Three network.

This is part 3, part 2 and part 1

Edited to remove account specific info.
I followed their instructions and it downloaded the "minimise background" version and lo and behold it still doesn't work. I'll now going to follow their official complaints procedure and if that doesn't rectify it take this one to small claims for the cost of two phones.

Hi Benjamin

I’m sorry to hear you’re having problems while using Skype on your phone.

I understand your concerns about this matter because after updating the Skype application, the minimize option doesn’t work. I note that the application shuts when you minimize it. We as a network provider haven’t removed or altered any functionality for Skype. However this change may be a part of the Skype update.

To resolve this, please redownload the Skype application by using these steps:

• on your phone, go to Planet 3
• select Services
• select Social Networks
• select Social Networking Apps
• choose Select Skype and click on the download link.

Once this is done the Skype application from the Planet 3 will replace the existing Skype application on your phone. This should resolve the problem related to minimizing of the application.

If not, then please call us and we can book the phone for a software reflash to remove any settings related issue.

I’m sure this information has helped. If you still have any problem, just call us and we’ll take care of the rest. You can tell us what you thought about how we handled this by doing a quick survey – call us on 02030 941503. We’d love to hear from you, and we’ll use your feedback to help improve the way we do things.

If you have any more questions, please call on either 333 (free) from any 3 mobile phone or 0843 373 3333 (national rate) from any other phone and we’ll be happy to help.

Kind regards

Seher Ahmed
3 Customer Services

Skype on three.co.uk 3 telecom not receiving calls

This is Part 1 (my first email), Part 2 of this is here

I'm putting this out there to see how many other people are having a problem with the recent Skype update disconnecting when idle or not minimising meaning you can no longer receive incoming Skype calls. I sent this to three.co.uk support, lets see what I get back:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Since recently updating Skype on my ZTE F102 the application no longer remains connected in the background after I minimise it. The application also disconnects from Skype when it is idle. This now means I will no longer receive incoming *Skype* calls during this time. I notice your Support on the subject (under "Skype calls and chats") has Skype questions for "Making a call", "Sending a Skype Chat" and "Receiving a Skype Chat", but NONE for receiving Skype calls.

I politely request that you restore the original functionality of the Skype application for which I purchased my phone, by either a providing a new version or enabling me to revert Skype to an older revision.

Yours faithfully,

Benjamin Brown