Yahoo Messenger outsources VoIP calls to Jajah

Yahoo has announced that its Yahoo Messenger VoIP calls are to be outsourced to Jajah.

Under the terms of the agreement, the “Phone In” and “Phone Out” service will enable consumers to make low-cost PC-to-phone and phone-to-PC voice calls over the Jajah network to more than 200 countries using Yahoo Messenger. Details of the deal between the two companies have not been disclosed

Jajah will take over the provision of the telephony infrastructure, payment processing, and customer care for Yahoo’s premium voice users who make and receive voice calls through Yahoo Messenger. They have been able to make and receive voice calls on their PC to and from landline and mobile phones since 2006

Yahoo Messenger has 97 million users worldwide but it is not known how many of them pay for premium voice services. With headquarters in Silicon Valley, Jajah has attracted 10 million users in its two years of operation.

VoIP provider, Jajah, has introduced Jajah Direct, which provides VoIP calls without the need to be connected to the Internet.

Users simply call a local access number, then input the number of the phone they wish to call. Jajah Direct then sends them a number, usually by text message. When called, this number connects with the person the user wishes to talk to.

The system removes the need for headsets, or being tied to a computer, and provides free or low-rate international calls.

A Jajah account is free and can be set up over the phone. Jajah’s website - www.jajah.com - provides a local access number, and information on calling rates to both landlines and mobiles.

Jajah has expanded its infrastructure with the installation of 260 switches in 66 countries. Switches and server farms in New York City, London, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo act as master VoIP controllers.

Developing its own infrastructure allows Jajah to pass on savings to customers rather than to middlemen wholesalers and has allowed it to launch Jajah Direct.