Software allows phone calls while dialed in to net

2.00pm

Internet service provider ihug today launched software that allows internet users to receive phone calls while they are online.

The Xchange software works for dial-up connections and does not need any extra hardware. There are about 800,000 dial-up users nationwide.

It meant an "end to the all-too-familiar constant busy signal and the frustration of missed calls," ihug said in a statement.

Users would be able to stay on line as long as they wanted, without missing any calls, ihug said.

"Incoming phone calls will be automatically re-directed to ihug's Xchange servers."

"...a message will also be sent as a pop-up window showing who's calling -- enabling the user to switch and take the call, divert it to mobile, or receive a voice message."

The service costs $8.90 a month, including $4.95 for Xchange and $3.95 for a Telecom call diversion service.

In October, ihug said it had signed a sale and purchase agreement to merge with ASX-listed Australian ISP, iiNet Ltd.

- NZPA