BT Bringing Wi-Fi Calling to PSP

PSP owners in the UK may soon be able to make voice and video calls using new software developed by BT.

The United Kingdom telecom operator BT has announced it will offer Sony PSP owners custom software which, intitially, will enable voice and video calls to other PSPs, as well as some BT phones in the UK. Eventually, BT plans to distribute the software to telecom operators in 100 other countries, and enable connectivity between PSPs and landlines, mobile phones, and PCs.

BT has signed a four year deal with Sony under which BT will develop and expand communication features for the PSP, using BT’s 21 Century Network (21CN), which is built around VoIP technology. BT intends for 21CN to eventually replace traditional phone networks.

On the PSP, the software will leverage Sony’s Go!Cam, due to be released on May 16 in Europe (May 25 in the UK) at a suggested price of €39.99. The Go!Cam offers a built-in microphone, will enable the PSP to record up to two and a half hours of video, or snap over 40,000 photos.

“It is very exciting for us to be partnering with BT on such a unique project,” said David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, in a statement. “The opportunity to combine our market leading expertise with BT’s knowledge in communications opens up many possibilities and we look forward to bringing many exciting communication functions to PSP fans.”

BT plans to announce details of the software and service in August at the Leipzig Games Convention.