MSN offers unlimited BT phone calls

MSN Messenger users can make unlimited local and national phone calls for a fixed monthly fee, using a new service from BT.


By clicking the "Make a phone call" button in MSN Messenger, users with a BT phone line and a BT Together package can make calls from their PC to UK phones.


The PC 2 UK service, which costs £20 a month, doesn't include calls to mobiles, premium rate numbers or freephone numbers. Some other restrictions apply. The £20 fee is added to the customer's BT phone bill.


BT said the service works best with a USB handset and Windows XP. Users without an internet telephony handset can use speakers and a microphone. The service is available to both broadband and dial-up internet users.


Internet telephony has long been criticised for its quality, but BT said that with a good enough computer it can equal the quality of a normal phone line.


"Obviously with broadband, the quality of the call is extremely good, but it's good enough on narrowband as well," said John Blake, head of VoiP, BT Ignite.