Vonage Mobile app vows free texting for iPhone, Android users

Voice-over-IP provider Vonage is rolling out a new mobile application optimized for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, enabling smartphone owners to make free high-definition calls and send free text messages to other Vonage Mobile users worldwide.

Vonage Mobile--which works over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G wireless data networks--leverages the device's existing mobile number and contact list, eliminating the requirement for unique user names and duplicate identities for contacts. The app also includes a multi-invite system to help consumers build out their global calling and texting network.

In the event Vonage Mobile users call contacts who've not downloaded the app, Vonage promises per-minute international rates at an average of 70 percent less than mobile operators and 30 percent lower than Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)-owned rival Skype. Consumers may also purchase calling credits from Apple's App Store or Google's Android Market in increments of $4.99 and $9.99. Vonage states that consumers do not need to subscribe to its services to the use the new smartphone app, although calls to Vonage home or business lines are also free. Users can also access free messaging services via Apple's iPod and iPad as well as Android tablets.

Vonage serves approximately 2.4 million subscribers worldwide. Its services are sold on the web and through regional and national retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, Kmart and Sears.

Vonage Mobile is the latest threat to conventional operator SMS services and established alternatives like Research In Motion's (NASDAQ:RIMM) signature BlackBerry Messenger. In recent months, Apple unveiled iMessage, which lets consumers send free text messages, photos and videos to all iOS devices--social networking giant Facebook's free Messenger also enables friends to correspond directly with friends via mobile device. And in August 2011, Skype acquired group messaging solutions startup GroupMe, whose application enables users to text and make conference calls with circles of friends or colleagues across multiple operating systems.

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