Facebook have beefed up the challenge in the battle for a complete 'instant-messaging' solution.

Interesting to note that Telstra have already commenced monitoring the trend... maybe we'll see a reduction in the cost of an sms?



"Facebook is moving to wrest control of the SMS market from the major telcos with the release of smartphone apps which could make texting redundant.

The social networking giant will launch Facebook Messenger for iPhone and Android phones "shortly" in Australia following its debut in the US yesterday.

The app integrates Facebook contacts with phone contacts and sends messages via Facebook or for free via SMS if the recipient doesn't also have the app. The goal is for a one-stop shop for all instant messaging, whether users have a contact's phone number or Facebook link.

Telstra is carefully monitoring the trend but a spokeswoman said the company did not expect an imminent move away from traditional SMS.

"Telstra has seen continued SMS growth in the face of mobile social networking despite the introduction of free instant messaging and other messaging applications," the spokeswoman said."

Read the full article on news.com.au here.

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