No Search box in "Who" tab and unable to connect with friend

First time player of SWTOR, but longtime MMORPG player.  installed via Steam.  Today I tried to connect with a friend who is also new to the game, but we could not see each other.  Confirmed we were on the same server and instance of that server and both Jedi.  Were even standing in the same location in the game.  Could not see each other, invite/join each other. Nothing.

I also notice that when I open the social tab and specifically the "Who" tab, I don't have a search window.  

Am I missing a setting?  Something requires a subscription?  I'm interested specifically in playing this game with my friend so connecting is pretty essential...