Microsoft, MCI Launch Net-to-Phone Calling

Microsoft and MCI are launching computer-to-phone calling for Windows Live Messenger, offering cheap voice calling and pre-paid calling time.

Microsoft and MCI have announced they’re currently testing a new computer-to-phone voice service for Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft recent re-branding of MSN Messenger. In beta testing now, the service is expected to substantially undercut MCI’s own domestic and international calling plans and put Microsoft in head-to-head competition with Skype, Yahoo, and other VOIP-to-phone services.

MCI Web Calling for Windows Live Call, will initially be available to subscribers in the United States, with service expected to become available in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK in coming weeks. During the beta testing period, Microsoft and MCI say subscribers will be able to place calls to and from more than 220 countries with rates as low as $0.023 per minute to the U.S., Canada, the UK, and western Europe, although final pricing for the service, once it’s officially deployed, hasn’t been determined.

Customers will be able to sign up for MCI Web Calling via the Windows Live Messenger software, although MCI will manage customer registration and account management, customer support, billing, and call termination for the PC-to-phone voice service. MCI will also offer prepaid calling time on the service in $5, $10, and $25 blocks.

MCI is currently in the process of being acquired by Verizon Communications, the second largest U.S. phone company.