AOL to Launch VOIP, Profile Services

AOL has plans to offer a new service for users of its instant messaging client that would allow them to receive incoming telephone calls. Called Phoneline, the feature provides a telephone number to subscribers free of charge. A pay version would also be offered, which would allow unlimited calls to U.S. and 30 countries worldwide for $14.95 a month, AOL said Thursday.

Phoneline is intended to compete directly with VoIP provider Skype, which offers similar services through its desktop client. However, Skype users must pay an additional fee to receive a phone number for their account. AOL also plans to take on MySpace and MSN Spaces with the launch of AIM Pages, a social networking service that would alert the user's buddies through the AIM client when profiles are updated.