After a bug took the popular internet calling service Skype offline for at least two days, the company is now saying that the service is working smoothly again.

At the time Skype described the problem as being a software error and has stated that it will explain what went wrong in more detail later on today.

Users in almost every corner of the world last week were unable to access any of Skype's services, including calls, instant messaging or video conferencing.

The company stated: "On Monday, we'll provide a more detailed explanation of what happened.

"Until then, we'd like to apologize and thank you. Precisely in that order."

Skype was apologetic over the error, stating: "We know how difficult and frustrating the past two days have been."

Rumours were rife about why the service went down, including one widespread theory that it was the result of a hacking attack launched from Russia.

The internet calling service, based in Luxembourg, is used in more than 25 countries around the world by over 200 million users.

In 2005 Skype was acquired by the internet auction giant eBay for $2.6 billion.