The service, which has successfully been doing the rounds in the US, allows anyone with a mobile to send voice messages to over 20 countries at the cost of a local call.

Just dial the Pinger number, speak the names of the people you want to message and say your piece. You can even message all your buddies with just one call, which is handy for arranging nights out.

When someone sends you a Pinger, as it’s known, a text appears on your moby telling you who sent the message and what to do to reply.

It’s just a matter of calling back the local number given and listening to your message, then pressing a key to record your reply back. It’s actually easier than texting, and more personable too. 

We tried the service earlier, and it works remarkably well – so we don’t have any qualms recommending it.

It’s unlike voicemail because rather than ringing someone, your message appears in text form, allowing text defectors to reply at any time rather than being interrupted by a call.

The service has been doing well in the US, but in case you UK users are thinking “What do the Yanks know?” why not dial 020 3051 0981 to try it out.