Online marketplace eBay said that its U.S. auction business plans to incorporate its Skype Internet telephone-calling service, setting the stage for a new wave of online customer service.

Bill Cobb, president of eBay's North American auction business, said the company is set to begin a trial program on its U.S. site to evaluate how Skype can be used to connect sellers to buyers seeking product information before they buy.

"Skype represents a tremendous opportunity for our sellers to connect even more closely with their buyers," Cobb said in a statement.

Adding voice-calling and text messaging to the traditional e-mail-based interactions between auction participants was a prime motivation offered by eBay officials when it acquired Skype last October in a deal worth up to $4.2 billion.

Starting on June 19, sellers will be able to embed simple "Skype Me" icons alongside product listing to allow users to contact them using a new feature of eBay called "Ask a seller a question." The feature is free and designed to allow people to answer quick questions before completing specific purchases.

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