Fusion Telecommunications has launched a free VoIP service under its global efonica brand.

efonica subscribers can now call each other for free using their existing landline or mobile telephone numbers to and from any combination of PC's, Internet phones and regular telephones (with a simple adapter), connected to a broadband or dial-up Internet connection. To facilitate calls, the Company has developed the worldwide Internet Area Code. Subscribers dial the prefix "10", then dial familiar phone numbers as they normally would, rather than clicking on user names, as is common with other free VoIP services.

"We believe that the introduction of the worldwide Internet Area Code marks a significant development in the VoIP industry," said Roger Karam, President of Fusion's VoIP division. "We've simplified the way subscribers call each other. During a brief sign-up process, subscribers register their landline or mobile numbers as their eNumbers, and within seconds, they can call each other for free. They simply dial the Internet Area Code "10" before the eNumberTM to enjoy high quality voice calls at no cost. It's that easy, and the call connects immediately. Because efonica supports the current dialing habits of consumers worldwide, customers should adapt to efonica seamlessly."

Subscribers to the new efonica VoIP services can call each other for free anywhere in the world, regardless of their physical location. The free efonica service includes several premium calling features such as caller ID with name, call waiting, three-way calling, call forwarding, call transfer, call hold and do not disturb.

Subscribers can use the service through their PCs by downloading a free computer-based telephone, or "softphone", from the efonica website, or with one of the many compatible hardware devices that do not require a PC. efonica can be used with broadband, dial-up and wireless Internet connections. Fusion believes that its efonica service will be particularly attractive to consumers in developing countries, who have expensive landline service and limited VoIP calling options.