Facebook is rolling out a free calling option to iPhone Facebook Messenger users.
The new function, which is rolling out to the Facebook Messenger iOS app, requires Messenger users to open a conversation with another iPhone owner, tap the "i" button in the top right corner, and press "Free Call." The recipient will then receive a pop-up notification that says, for example, "Stephanie Mlot is calling."
To those users without full functionality yet, the app reminds you that free calling is unavailable, and "You don't have permission to chat with this person" (see below).
The new option offers a real boost to people with spotty cell service at work or at home, and those hoping to conserve minutes.
Facebook hinted that the feature was in the works earlier this month, when it rolled out updates to its iOS and Android Messenger apps to include voicemail. At that point, Canadian iOS users were also given access to the voice-calling feature.
As The Verge pointed out, the move means Facebook could have "one of the largest communities of VoIP users in the world." Competitors like Skype and Vonage have much smaller user bases compared to the most popular social network.
Facebook and Skype have been in cahoots for two and a half years, since the social network in 2011 integrated a Skype video-calling feature directly into Facebook.com. But the tool was not made available on mobile, perhaps to allow Facebook to strike out on its own.
The Facebook Messenger app is currently available for free in the Apple App Store.
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