Nokia has announced its Communication Suite will turn a user's PC into a softphone to access a wide range of internet telephony services.

The system will feature a single online identity and billing account to make it simple for users and bridge both fixed and 3G networks seamlessly.

"Nokia is embracing the vision of telecommunications that IP is making possible," said Roberto Loiola, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Networks, Nokia.

"Voice over IP is already a fact of life for many consumers around the world, giving them more opportunities to keep in touch in novel and economical ways.

"The use of broadband Internet access for voice communication is here to stay, and Nokia recognizes that traditional operators - both mobile and fixed - can swim in these waters as well.

"At the same time, IP gives operators better control over how their network resources are used - an important consideration as multimedia services proliferate and data traffic grows."

By using IP, internet telephony can support calls, video sharing, video calls, instant messaging, presence, file sharing, and other multimedia services.

With Nokia Communication Suite, users can make and receive VoIP calls and other services from their PCs using their existing mobile number. Calls to their mobile number can be answered with either their mobile or PCsoftphone.

Operators can offer both PC-PC calls, calls to mobile phones, or calls to traditional telephones at competitive rates and can bundle additional services as well.

Other services can be charged to same account as the subscriber's fixed or mobile calls, simplifying their billing and avoiding the need to set up separate, pre-paid accounts for VoIP service. Nokia's Communication Suite can also allow travelling subscribers to avoid roaming charges for mobile calls when abroad.