BellSouth’s DSL customers can now get free video chat service, using BellSouth Messenger and a low-cost video camera/microphone to replace the typing of Instant Messages with a video interaction.

BellSouth Video Chat is the latest feature on BellSouth Messenger, the instant messaging platform BellSouth launched three years ago. Customers of BellSouth Internet Service can download free client software and a quick-start guide that explains how to install a Webcam and microphone. Those items can be ordered from a shopping service on BellSouth’s portal for $50 and under.

“We definitely see this as a competitive advantage that can attract customers from cable or convince some of our dial-up customers to move to DSL,” said Marie McMenamin, senior product manager, messaging, Bellsouth.

BellSouth Messenger runs on an open standard messaging platform and enables its customers to share IMs or video chats with others using AmericaOnline, MSN or Yahoo instant messaging services, she added.

“We find this service to be very viral,” she said. “There is a mechanism within video chat where you can send and invite others. They get the message and can click to download our client and text message each other or use the video part as well. In today’s world with an e-mail client like Microsoft Outlook, you can bring all your e-mail in through one client. We are looking at it in the same way with Instant Messaging. Instead of going through multiple clients, you can talk to all your friends through our one client.”

The video chat service is designed to be easy to use and progressed smoothly through a 100-customer trial earlier this year, said McMenamin. Early usage was mostly of the friends and family variety, she said, but the service was particularly popular among teenagers.