Earlier this week we brought you word about Skype’s imminent delivery of a mobile phone, which the company partnered with the international wireless network, 3 (Three), to provide consumers in many parts of the world with mobile VoIP calling and IM service. Well, folks, it’s arrived.

Today, the 3 Skypephone, as it has been labeled, is released to the UK market.

The debut of this official wireless-network-sanctioned wireless VoIP device is a first for a major Western carrier, and one that is likely to attract a great many cost-conscious mobile users. With the option made available to purchase the device as one with a mobile contract or a pay-as-you-go system (going the latter route will require a minimum of ten pounds per month to maintain Skype service), it’s target audience is quite a large one, and it’s almost certain to be a hit - barring any unforeseen snags – particularly with teens and young adults, who are almost by default wired to understand the ins and outs of the latest technological inventions, and will likely adopt this mobile Skype offering as soon as it touches the shelves.

Skype is likely to benefit greatly from the delivery of this product as well, considering the software it offers still bears the scent of something geek-friendly and not “ubiquitous” in the way that, say, your standard GSM/CDMA communications devices are thought to be.

Hundreds of millions of people around the world rely on mobile devices to communication, both for business and pleasure, every day. When one wishes to phone a friend, colleague, or family member, it’s typical that one would use a wireless handset. Therefore, as I’m sure you’ll agree, mating Skype with the wireless market is simply a no-brainer for the VoIP company.

The Skypephone itself more or less bears all the essential features of the typical modern mobile device. It of course connects to 3G networks. It holds software that allows the user to browse the Web, listen to music, and even watch a bit of Mobile TV. And it has a standard-issue 2-megapixel camera. All wrapped up in candybar form, painted black, white, blue, or pink.

As was mentioned above, the 3 Skypephone is available today, November 2nd, 2007, only in the UK. However, the 3-Skype partnership does intend to expand its reach to more markets in which the wireless company currently operates.

In the ‘Coming Soon’ column: Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and Ireland.