BT partners with Sony to provide VoIP on PlayStations

BT Group Plc and Sony Corp will launch Go!Messenger wireless software in January 2008, that will enable video and voice calls on Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld game player. Users of the PSP will also be able to send instant messages via the device.

The software will connect to any broadband wireless Internet point using VoIP Internet telephony.

BT, which is Sony’s lead wireless partner, will initially promote the software in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. It will then be extended to over 100 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Regional wireless Internet providers and manufacturers will be able to buy the service wholesale and sell it on under other brands.

BT, one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions, and Sony Corporation of Japan entered into a four-year agreement in May.