Using your mobile is cheap-as-chips nowadays except when it comes to calling abroad, that's when it gets expensive. A new downloadable application called EQO (pronounced echo) aims to make this cheaper with what is essentially a phone card dressed up with a few extra whistles and bells. 

The service not only makes cheap calls but the application also acts as an IM aggregator. Basically what this means is that you can chat to anyone on a host of different IM services, such as MSN, AIM, Yahoo and Google Talk.

Essentially, you get the service by downloading a little application using a link in a text message. Ours was downloaded to a Nokia E62, but there are also apps for most other phone types - including Blackberrys and Windows Mobile phones.

In order to get cheap phone calls, you have to remember to boot up the app. Otherwise, just dialling a number on you mobile in the regular way will still costs the normal amount of cash. On first impressions, the user interface is workable but not that great looking. There is a phonebook and you can import contacts into it or just enter them in yourself. The call set up is done via your phone's data connection initially (so make sure that you have a data plan on your tariff that isn't going to skint you!).After that, the call is routed in the traditional manner (ie. it is not a "pure" VoIP service). International calls are routed via a local gateway so you will only use up minutes from you call plan instead of paying over the odds from you mobile operator.

Call quality via the service is adequate, not the best we heard but far from the worst. You also get a few quid in phone credits for your first lot of calls, so it may be worth playing a few of these services off against each other and trying out all their free credits (or try Rebtel, according to this page). The call rates against other providers compared reasonably favourable and are definitely worth a shot.

The best thing about the application is the ability to use IM on your mobile, although this is something mobile phone companies are increasingly adding as standard to drive data traffic. As long as you've got a good data plan on your phone, then you can chat to your buddies on your contact list all day long. After all, this feature is the big reason to download the app in the first place. There is also the obligatory Facebook app that can send "vibes" to friends on EQO.

Overall, we've seen worse mobile applications. We still remain unconvinced about any arguments that the service is easier to use than the more traditional cheap call providers. The user interface could be better laid out and it should be changed to make the whole process easier for the user.

Rating: 5/10