8x8 crosses international waters

Internet phone provider 8x8 has signed its first deal to connect with traditional telephone users outside the United States. The deal, announced Friday, will allow 8x8 subscribers to get calls from and make calls to Eastern Telecommunications Philippines customers, according to agreement terms. 8x8 will also begin offering a new rate plan to subscribers that includes 150 minutes a month of calls to the Philippines for an additional $17.95 a month.

The deal highlights the growing momentum of voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services in international dialing, an arena that in the past has been hampered by local regulation.