Unified messaging has taken another leap forward with Yahoo's announcement of its latest Yahoo Messenger with Voice 7.5 software. Featuring the new PC-to-Phone service, Yahoo Messenger users can hop from the Internet to the telecommunications grid using the Voice-over-IP (VOIP) protocol, and connect to any landline or mobile number.

From simple text messages during the modem era, instant messaging services have taken advantage of the large broadband penetration and gone on to include file, picture, video and even voice communication. Akin to gathering in a large room, the ability to know who was online and have instant access to that person permited real-time exchanges to take place. However, once offline, there was no way for instant messages to reach the recipient.

“The Yahoo! Messenger with Voice environment is now a total integrated communications service that helps users stay in touch with friends, family and business acquaintances. In one easy-to-use environment, Yahoo! Messenger with Voice helps users stay connected. Consumers can choose how they want to connect with others -- whether it is through text messaging, email, mobile text messaging, PC to PC calling and now, PC to Phone calling,” says Reza Behnam, managing director for Yahoo Southeast Asia.

Major VOIP players like Skype and MediaRing have been offering PC-to-Phone services for some time. Though the cost savings are significant, the lack of publicity has restricted widespread adoption. But with GoogleTalk and MSN adding VOIP features, there is rising interest in chat technology, especially at the enterprise level. Yahoo offers connection to over 28 countries and possibly the lowest rates in town. With the increasing number of Wi-Fi hotspots, even on planes, and wireless-capable personal devices, we feel that unless a competitor offers PC-to-Phone at even cheaper rates, Yahoo messenger may become indispensable for any Internet-enabled device.

Rates (accurate as of December 13, 2005)

	Yahoo!	Skype	MediaRing	StarHub 018	SingTel v019
Singapore	S$0.02 (US$0.01)	S$0.05 (US$0.04)	N.A.	Free*	S$0.01 (US$0.01)**
US	S$0.02 (US$0.01)	S$0.04 (US$0.03)	S$0.08 (US$0.06)	S$0.10 (US$0.07)	S$0.19 (US$0.14)
UK	S$0.03 (US$0.02)	S$0.04 (US$0.03)	S$0.10 (US$0.07)	S$0.18 (US$0.13)	S$0.30 (US$0.22)
Australia	S$0.03 (US$0.02)	S$0.04 (US$0.03)	S$0.10 (US$0.07)	S$0.18 (US$0.13)	S$0.31 (US$0.23)
China	S$0.03 (US$0.02)	S$0.04 (US$0.03)	S$0.10 (US$0.07)	S$0.18 (US$0.13)	S$0.57 (US$0.42)
Hong Kong	S$0.03 (US$0.02)	S$0.04 (US$0.03)	S$0.10 (US$0.07)	S$0.28 (US$0.21)	S$0.31 (US$0.23)
Malaysia	S$0.03 (US$0.02)	S$0.04 (US$0.03)	S$0.08 (US$0.06)	S$0.18 (US$0.13)	S$0.16 (US$0.12)

Compiled by CNET Networks Asia Pacific
* Excludes a monthly subscription free of S$10.29 (US$7.58).
** Excludes a monthly subscription free of S$8.75 (US$6.44).

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