In a strategic move aimed at regaining some of its earlier sheen, the once leading VoIP-provider Vonage has launched a new mobile application for the popular social networking company, Facebook.

The new Vonage app, which brings the ‘verbal communication’ advantage on to Facebook, will allow the users of the social network to make VoIP calls to their Facebook friends. 

Going by the details forwarded by Vonage, its new Facebook mobile app – which shows friends who have installed the app as well as those who are available for IM chats – is available as a simple download for the iPhone and Android handset users, from the App Store, Android Market or other sites.

Once the users download the app, they need to enter their Facebook log-in, which allows them to immediately start making free calls by clicking on a friend’s name.

Noting that the new Facebook app marked the beginning of much bigger things from Vonage, the company’s CEO Marc Lefar said in a recent press release: “In the future we will expand on this service to include a wide range of integrated voice and messaging services that change the way people communicate.”

Though Lefar stopped short of divulging any further details, it is quite likely that Vonage may expand the Facebook app or create VoIP apps for other social networks like MySpace and LinkedIn.