BT and Sony are set to launch software to enable Playstation Portable owners with broadband connections to access telephone services, it has been reported.

The GoMessenger! programme will enable gamers to make telephone and video calls to other mobile phones, landlines and PSP users as well as send text messages from their consoles - all free of charge.

The BT broadband talk softphone package software will be free to download and is set to be available in the UK from January this year, prior to being rolled out across Germany, Spain and Italy, according to a report in the Telegraph.

BT has not revealed the size of its investment in the project and remained tight-lipped when pressed on the matter for the report.

A spokesman for BT said: "BT has a strong record in gaining revenue from internet services, but it's just a bit early to reveal any more."

However, what is known is that the software is based on the VoIP (voice over internet protocol) technology developed by Skype.

It is estimated that there are some 8.5 million Playstation Portable owners throughout Europe.