Yahoo launches VoIP beta
March 24th, 2006 - Posted in VoIPInternet company Yahoo has introduced a public beta of its instant messaging suite, Yahoo Messenger with Voice, with PC-based calling capabilities. With the added ‘Phone Out’ feature, consumers in the US can make VoIP calls using their PCs to call fixed-line or mobile phones in 180 countries.
Calls within the US and to some 30 countries can be made for two cents a minute or less. US consumers can receive calls on their PC from traditional and mobile phones for $2.99 (€2.48) a month or $29.90 (€24.79) a year with the ‘Phone In’ feature. Phone In gives people a virtual presence in their city of choice, and they can use their phone number while they travel.
The PC-based calling features were initially introduced to international users in December 2005 and will continue to be rolled out in additional localised versions. The Yahoo Messenger with Voice features will also be introduced into Yahoo’s co-branded internet access services, including AT&T Yahoo High Speed Internet, in the coming months.
The beta of Yahoo Messenger with voice is currently available in eight localised versions, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Ireland.