T-Mobile launches voice chat for Facebook

CNET - T-Mobile USA wants to offer more than cell phone service. The company is getting into the voice over IP market with a new application that will allow people to make voice calls from Facebook.

T-Mobile's new VoIP app allows people to make phone calls from inside Facebook Chat.  (Credit: T-Mobile USA)

 

T-Mobile USA today announced the Bobsled by T-Mobile service, which will offer voice calls via Facebook. This new application will provide Facebook's more than 500 million users worldwide with free, one-touch calling to their Facebook friends from a personal computer and through the social platform's chat window.It's available now for download here.

T-Mobile's move to expand its service offering is yet another indication that the company is not idly waiting for regulators to approve AT&T's bid to buy the company. Last month, AT&T said it would spend $39 billion to acquire T-Mobile USA, which is owned by German telecommunications provider Deutsche Telekom. The acquisition will pair No. 2 carrier AT&T with No. 4 carrier T-Mobile to create the largest wireless operator in the nation. Regulators have vowed to examine the deal closely.

Competitor Sprint Nextel and some consumer advocates want the deal blocked. The regulatory review process will likely take at least a year and could take up to 18 months to complete. In the meantime, it looks as though T-Mobile is moving forward with new offerings.     Read More