EQO Communications, a leading developer of platforms for mobilizing VoIP, Instant Messaging and online social networks, announced immediate support for RIM BlackBerry and Windows Mobile powered devices. The addition of the BlackBerry Pearl and other powerful smart-phones brings the number of EQO-supported handsets to more than 400 devices from major manufacturers including Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Palm, LG, Panasonic, Phillips, RIM, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, and Siemens.

"We're rapidly evolving toward a world of ubiquitous connectivity in which we will be connected to each other all the time, everywhere we go," said Jill Aldort, Wireless/Mobile senior analyst for Yankee Group. "One of the most important elements in achieving this vision is the ability to deliver an easy to use, communications service that can reside on a broad range of handsets."

According to some estimates, more than 60 million smart phones will be sold worldwide in 2006. Users of RIM BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices now are able to access EQO Mobile, an Internet Communications platform that enables mobile VoIP calling and instant messenger services including AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, GoogleTalk, Jabber, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Instant Messenger and Skype.

"In response to user demand, we're adding support for the most popular smart-phones," said Colin Quon, founder and CTO of EQO. "Many smart-phones bring the benefits of a full keyboard, which provides a richer IM experience, and are often bundled with wireless data services, making EQO Mobile a natural fit for these users."

EQO Mobile is an evolution of the EQO for Skype service introduced at DEMO 2006. Since the launch of EQO for Skype, EQO has established itself as the premier mobile solution for Skype, with users in more than 130 countries across 260 carrier networks.