RIM launches free voice service for BBM

Blackberry customers can now make free national or international calls using Wi-Fi

RIM has launched a voice application for its BBM service which allows calls to be made using Wi-Fi to other users.

Available on all handsets running BlackBerry 6 or 7, the service allows customers to make national and international calls for free wherever they have a wireless internet connection.

The service has been connected to the other BBM services to allow customers to switch mid-conversation from text to voice.

RIM vice president of BBM and social communities T A McCann said: “BBM began as a convenient and effective business messaging tool, and today it is an essential part of daily communications for customers around the world. Now, with BBM version 7, customers have a new option they can text and talk with their BBM contacts near and far, for free.

“With the integrated experience, we extend the core features of reliable, real-time engagement to include voice calling and take BBM to the next level.”