28 Oct 2008

Microsoft announces new VoIP partnership

Microsoft has announced a new VoIP deal with Latin American telecommunications provider Telefonica.

The agreement will involve Telefonica providing VoIP services to Windows Live Messenger customers across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and the United States.

Windows Live users affected by the deal will be able to make calls over the internet from their PCs to any fixed or mobile phone worldwide.

Already operational in the US, the service will later be extended to allow Windows Live users to receive calls on their PCs.

Telefonica, the largest telecommunications provider in Latin America, is expected to benefit from the agreement by using Microsoft's faster ADSL network to generate further revenues in the region.

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a deal with VoIP provider BroadSoft to provide new communications services for businesses.

The email, phone and video technology involved in the agreement is designed to help firms cut infrastructure costs and improve productivity, Microsoft said.