Although it had enough features to justify its official name of “portable entertainment system”, Sony’s PSP is on track of adding a new feature, that kind of makes it a rival to Apple’s iPhone.

Following a partnership with British Telecom, UK PSP owners will soon be communicating with their friends and family using their favorite gadget instead of a regular mobile phone.

The 4-year partnership between Sony and BT will allow for high-quality Internet video calls, voice calls and text messaging on the portable handheld, using BT’s broadband network.

At first, according to IGN, the PSP will only be able to communicate with other PSP owners and users of BT's Softphone service, which enables PC owners to communicate with other Softphones via the Internet. However, eventually new features will be added to ensure PSP owners can call and message PCs, land lines and mobile phones.

David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said: "It is very exciting for us to be partnering with BT on such a unique project. The opportunity to combine our market leading expertise with BT's knowledge in communications opens up many possibilities and we look forward to bringing many exciting communication functions to PSP fans."

The deal makes BT the lead wireless communications partner for SCEE in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.