O2 to launch O2 Connect service across Apple and Android
O2 has announced it is to launch an internet calls service, called O2 Connect. The service is the first project of parent company Telefonica’s new digital arm, Telefonica Digital, itself only launched last month.
The move comes at a time when competition in the internet calls market is intensifying. European regulators recently cleared Microsoft’s bid for Skype, and Google has launched Google Voice.
02 Connect will work on Apple and Android smartphones and, according to Telefonica Digital some parts of the service will be included in 02 customers existing tariffs but other parts will have to be paid for separately. Calls between 02 Connect users are expected to be free, as is currently the case when using Skype.
02 Connect is initially being trialled on an invitation-only basis. It will be rolled out fully in 2012.