eBay buys Skype for $2.6bn

eBay said the deal will create "an unparalleled e-commerce and communications engine". Skype's software lets PC users talk to each other for free and make cut-price calls to mobiles and landlines.

Other players in the online phone market include computer giants such as Google, Microsoft, AOL and Yahoo. Google recently launched its Talk service, while Microsoft purchased leading player Teleo for an undisclosed sum.

"Communications is at the heart of e-commerce and community," said eBay chief executive Meg Whitman.

"By combining the two leading e-commerce franchises, eBay and PayPal, with the leader in internet voice communications, we will create an extraordinarily powerful environment for business on the net."

The company said the move would "strengthen eBay's global marketplace and payments platform, while opening several new lines of business".