In the process, AT&T Wireless subscribers can now access a different channel of communication. The new service is available for those who are signed up for the company's mMode GSM/GPRS next-generation network service, as well as those who use text messaging. Before today's announcement, AT&T Wireless users could let their thumbs do the talking via short-message services (SMS) and/or America Online's AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).

AT&T Wireless says it is the only U.S. carrier to now offer instant messaging via text-messaging services from both AOL and Yahoo.

With the newest addition, AT&T Wireless customers can now keep in touch with their Yahoo "friends" by sending short text messages between wireless devices and PC's. Yahoo Messenger's online "friends" list also extends to an AT&T Wireless user's their wireless phone. In addition, AT&T Wireless customers can now see which of their Yahoo Messenger friends is online and ready to chat in real time, without having to use a 'Net-connected PC.

The new pact also brings value to Yahoo Messenger users, as they'll be the first in the country to have the ability to initiate a back-and-forth instant messaging chat with an AT&T Wireless text messaging customer, even if wireless user does not have an existing Yahoo account.

Customers who use Yahoo Messenger will not pay additional fees beyond those of AT&T Wireless' standard text messaging charges or mMode service plan rates. AT&T Wireless text messaging users can begin using Yahoo Messenger immediately.

Besides AIM and Yahoo Messenger, AT&T Wireless subscribers can use SMS to not only text other AT&T Wireless customers, but to "talk" with almost anyone who has a wireless phone, regardless of his or her carrier.

Bob Woods is the managing editor of InstantMessagingPlanet.