Telefonica to test free internet calls service in UK

Telefonica is set to test a new internet calls service in the UK with O2 customers, reports the Financial Times. O2 Connect will allow users to make free calls to mobile and landline phones over the internet. It will be the first service from the new Telefonica Digital business division, set up in September and led by former Telefonica Europe CEO Matthew Key. The O2 Connect service will initially be tested in the UK, where selected O2 smartphone customers will be able to use text and voice services over Wi-Fi networks from their normal mobile number to any UK landline or mobile number. The service uses technology from internet phone company Jajah and will initially be available on Apple and Android smartphones. Richard Porter, head of consumer mobile products for O2 UK, said that a commercial launch of O2 Connect is scheduled for 2012. He added that a trial would start in October by invitation only, including both O2 private and business customers.