MySpace has struck a deal with Skype which will enable users to make free online phone calls.

According to the deal, which is set to begin in November, MySpace members can access the phone service on the social networking Web site through the instant messaging function.

The new service is likely to be beneficial to both companies, since there are 25 million users of MySpace's IM platform, while Skype has 220 million users worldwide.

MySpace users will be able to link their profiles and photos to their Skype accounts.

This new service will be launched in 20 countries next month, while later extra functionality linking to Skype accounts will be available in 25 countries.

"Our network has no geographical boundaries - Internet calling is the natural next step for how our members communicate with each other," Chris DeWolfe, MySpace's co-founder and chief executive told the Guardian.

Besides free Skype calling, the two companies will split revenues from those MySpace members who select any paid services, which include SkypeOut, which allows users to call landlines or mobiles, as well as access voicemail and call forwarding.

The deal comes right after MySpace's announcement Tuesday of a tie-up with Sony BMG, which allows users to post videos and music from Sony artists on their personal profiles.

MySpace and Sony BMG will split revenue from ads placed inside videos and on artist profiles.

Mark Mulligan from Jupiter Research pointed out that “the Sony BMG deal follows major restructuring at MySpace's digital music partner Snocap.”