Samsung Networks has launched the first Voice-over-Internet (VoIP) service for mobile phones in Korea, which will cut phone charges.

The Samsung Wyz 070 service allows users to make and receive mobile phone calls through the WiFi wireless Internet network, a wireless local-area network (LAN) found in homes, offices, schools and other public places, Asia Media reported Thursday.

The mobile VoIP costs 39 won for a three-minute domestic call. Ordinary mobile phone calls, however, cost between nine to 40 won for every 10 seconds of outgoing calls. In addition, it is free for phone calls within one's network. The VoIP phone automatically switches to non-VoIP mode where there is no WiFi coverage.

The service is now only available for corporate users who use Samsung Electronics' Blackjack smartphones, but it will be expanded to more models, such as Blackberry, according to Samsung's spokeswoman, Jeong Hye-lim.

"We only have Blackjack now because it is the only handset in South Korea that is capable of using WiFi," Jeong said, according to Asia Media. "Other WiFi models, such as Blackberry, can be used for the service once they are introduced to Korea and they are equipped with our software applications."

It's believed that Korean customers will welcome the first mobile VoIP phone services, as three main mobile companies in Korea, SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom, have been blamed for taking easy profits from users by sharing the mobile service market under the umbrella of the government. Consumers and politicians have pressured the government to lift the regulation barriers for new companies and new services in order to stimulate competition in the market.

The prosperity of wireless Internet networks have prompted the VoIP firms to pay attention to mobile phones. In Europe, Skype has introduced a VoIP mobile phone that uses third-generation networks of mobile operators, Asia Media reported.