On Sunday Skype launched the latest iteration of its iPhone app, which now allows users to make VoIP calls over a 3G connection. As of last night, the application had been downloaded nearly 5 million times, a number that has surely been passed by this point.

There is some bad news with the good, though. Skype has said they may start charging users for Skype-to-Skype calls made over 3G as early as next year. Skype has always been free for in-client calling. There are still no specifics on pricing, though Russ Shaw, Skype’s mobile GM, said he wanted to stay competitive. “We’re not going to want to price ourselves out of the market,” he said. “I can’t ignore the fact that consumers (currently) use us for free.”

You know, Mr. Shaw, even $.03 a minute is more than free. You probably won’t find many people who will be happy about the change.

Let me get a few things straight first. I do not work for and am in no way affiliated with Skype. But, Skype is great. It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it’s clear as a bell when talking on it. Conference calls are easy to setup and run. Video calls are clear, not perfect, but clear and sound and look good. Also, it’s becoming more and more available. There is a Skype app for the iPhone as well as other mobile phones and it’s even on the PSP. In addition, they have very inexpensive rates for having your own phone number and making calls to regular phones. Like I said, Skype is great.

So what is the deal? Why isn’t 100% of the US on Skype? What are we waiting for? I’ve read that about 70% of the US is already on broadband. And that number is on the rise. Last time I checked, we are in a recession and money is tight. Skype is free for Skype-to-Skype calls. And Skype is cheap, cheap, cheap for Skype calls to regular phones and cell phones. So what is holding us back?

One thing could be availability. Skype is mostly limited to the home PC. Yes, there is an iPhone app in addition to applications for other mobile phones. The problem with the iPhone app is that it cannot run in the background. You have to open it to use it. You almost have to purposely coordinate with someone to make a free Skype call. Kinda defeats the purpose, right?

Also related to availability is the fact that most people’s home PC is not in a place where they hang out the most. Say you’re chillin with your significant other or your family. You’d have to excuse yourself from the room to go have a Skype call. It’s a bit of a pain in the ass.

Another thing holding people back is that unless you have a microphone on your laptop, you have to purchase another piece of equipment. Purchasing a headset or webcam with a microphone is not expensive, but it is a purchase that most people will probably put very low on their budget totem poll.

But I really don’t think availability or equipment is the real issue. In fact, I’m not sure what the real issue is. I love Skype but I don’t use it as much as I should. I’ve got it on my home PC, my personal laptop, and on my iPhone. Yet, I almost never use it. I keep telling myself that the reason I never use it is because none of my friends are on it. How weak is that excuse? Perhaps if I was on it and always encouraged everyone I know to get on it, they would.

The number of Skype users has grown every year. The number of Skype calls have grown every year. Skype is being used all over the place… and yes, including on Oprah. Europe has taken to Skype and been using it extensively for years. Now it’s our time. If you start using Skype, I will too. Let’s get this thing going and start saving our cellular minutes. Let’s cancel our home phones and just use Skype. It’s just takes a few people to encourage a few more people then next thing you know, we’re all talking for free. I want to talk for free… don’t you?

It’s time to break through the clutter and get down to business. This weekly post is going to list not the top 10, or the top 5, but the top 3 of anything gadget related. Why the top 3? Because anything more would be watered down.

So without further ado, here are the top 3 Apps released for the iPhone this week.

3. DIRECTV

With the free DIRECTV app you can connect to your home DVR and set it to record something now or in the future. With just a few taps you can search the program guide for movies and shows that are coming up then set any DVR in your home to record it. You can also set it to record Pay Per View content so you can watch it when you get home. Very cool stuff.

2. MLB.com At Bat 2009

MLB.com At Bat Lite is great. With it you can get pitch by pitch coverage of live games and keep up on box scores. You can get play-by-play and video highlights shortly after a play is complete. Upgrade to MLB.com At Bat 2009 and you will get all that plus live Gameday Audio broadcasts for every regular season and postseason game. You can even choose between listening to the home team’s broadcast or the away team’s broadcast. $9.99 is a small price to pay for a season’s worth of MLB audio at your fingertips.

1. Skype

Skype has finally landed on the iPhone. This app gives you the ability to call any of your Skype contacts for free. Anytime you’re connected via WiFi you have the ability to bring up Skype, search and call your contacts, and most importantly, save your precious minutes. If you’re not connected to WiFi, you can still bring up your contact list and instant message anyone else who is online. So make sure you download the free Skype app for your iPhone; because there is nothing better than calling your friends and family for free.