Google to expand VoIP service to Middle East

Google is set to roll out its popular VoIP service to the Middle East, it has been revealed.

The search engine giant launched its VoIP package in the US ten days ago, which allows Google Mail users to make free domestic and cheap international calls.

Google confirmed that the technology would be expanded outside of America, although a timeline has yet to be announced.

A spokesman for the firm told emirates247.com: "Google VoIP is currently being rolled out in the US only as our first step.

"The feature is not available in MENA [Middle East and North Africa]. Google will be rolling out additional localised versions but we have nothing to announce at the moment."

The software has been popular with US customers, with ten million calls made by users within the first week of its release.

Other features of the web-based interface include the ability to screen calls and send a recorded conversation via email.