MICROSOFT has come up with a Skype-like free internet voice service for cell phones that analysts believe could affect the porfits of huge companies like Vodafone, T-Comm, etc.

The service is included in a mobile version of Microsoft Office Communicator due to be released this year.

It will be similar to a voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) software which permits Office users to make free voice calls over Wireless-Fidelity enabled phones running Windows Mobile software. Microsoft chief, Steve Ballmer announced this news at the annual show in Barcelona held for mobile phone operators.

The difficult portion is to market these; since all mobile phones are sold through mobile telecommunication companies.