Three of the larger Canadian mobile carriers, Bell (NYSE: BCE), Rogers (NYSE: RCI) and Telus (NYSE: TU) have successfully tested inter-carrier two-way mobile video calling. Several mobile carriers in Canada already offer video chat features but these types of calls are always between mobile users using compatible handsets on a single carrier network. Today’s announcement marks the first time that this type of mobile call was successfully performed between carriers. It’s expected that when this service does officially launch in Canada, it will create the largest North American two way calling network.

Although mobile carriers are adversaries and competitors to one another, there are many times that cooperation is required for the mutual growth of the individual companies. By offering this service, mobile users are provided with greater flexibility when it comes to mobile communication as the service will be independent of your carrier. Although video chat is still in it’s infancy, it is an emerging technology sector that will only grow with time.

All three providers involved in these trials support the 3G-324M Video Telephony standard, an international standard that governs telephony protocols. There are no additional details available as to when Canadian subscribers can expect these features to be fully rolled out but I’m sure it won’t remain a secret for long.

Via: BGR