PCs could provide cheap calls

By RICHARD WOOD

Microsoft is talking to New Zealand telcos about providing voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) technology behind its MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger chat software.

This is expected to enable low-cost calls to be made from a PC to any telephone in the world.

The calls go out through the PC's internet connection.

Other services to be explored include unified messaging, which is the combining of voice and email messages into one inbox.

A trial underway in Australia involves 3000 Telstra broadband customers.

Prices will be "competitive with current standard mobile, long-distance and international calling rates," say the companies involved.

But an Australian report was more specific, saying the charge would be 40c for five minutes anywhere in Australia.

In New Zealand, Microsoft says it is at the stage of presentations and talking to all telco companies.

Telecom and TelstraClear have confirmed their interest in the technology.

About 60,000 New Zealanders are said to have downloaded MSN Messenger since the middle of last year, and an average of 170,000 people use the software daily.