Game Mechanics: Chat Channels

[Eldarra]

Hi,

Is there any way to fix the function of being able to create a channel to chat in with friends? A bunch of my RL friends that play together would like to be able to talk in game via a channel like in old EQ - especially since we are different levels and often not in the same zones. Anyone else like to have this back/is it possible? Thank you very very VERY much in advance, this would be wonderful!