A system and method for direct and immediate transmittal of voice messages is provided. A sender mobile device (MD) is capable of sending instant voice messages to at least one recipient MD over a wireless communications network. The recipient MD(s) are can store the instant voice message in a computer readable memory. The sender MD can query a database and/or the recipient MD(s) to determine if the recipient MD is compatible and/or subscribed to instant voice messaging service. If the recipient MD is compatible and/or subscribed, the voice message is sent directly to the recipient MD, stored, and an instant voice message waiting indicator is presented to the recipient. If the recipient MD is not compatible and/or subscribed, the voice message is sent directly to a voicemail server, stored, and a voice message waiting indicator is presented to the recipient.