Social networking website Facebook has launched a new application that will enable users to send messages to anyone on their phone contact list in India — for free. This will help cut SMS cost for those with an internet connection on their phones. Facebook has partnered with major telecom operators and device manufacturers for the service, which will help more than 60 million users in India.

Facebook’s offering comes after Google introduced a free messaging service in India in October. Given the social networking website’s popularity in the country, the move may boost demand for internet data plans among youth.

“Users can sign up for a messenger account with their name and phone number, and send messages to their phone contacts instantly,” Facebook said in a statement.

The recipients need not necessarily have the app on their mobiles, but if they reply via SMS, standard rates will apply.