BT Internet users get free online chat

BT is launching a voice-over-IP (Internet Protocol) service for subscribers to BT Internet - one of the telco's Internet service providers (ISP).

The service - due to launch on 16 April - is free apart from normal monthly ISP charges, and will allow subscribers to talk to other BT Internet users at local rate.

Robin Duke-Woolley, principal consultant at research house Schema, said: "I think it's a good idea, it is the first PC-to-PC service in the UK and it helps bring this technology into the real world." But he added that he did not expect it to generate a huge amount of traffic because both ends of the call must be BT Internet customers.

The customers of the telco's free ISP, ClickFree, will be able to use the service to make calls to BT's helpdesk at local rate charges.

David Cooper, account director in Cap Gemini's telecoms division, said: "They needed a differentiator from the other services - it's extra value. It's market making for IP - the interesting thing is whether this marks a more generic move towards IP for BT."

Cooper added that Dixons' Freeserve pushed BT onto the backfoot and the telco reacted by launching ClickFree. This latest move, he said, was proactive rather than reactive.