In this day and age, it takes more than just top notch technology to impress and draw in the masses. It takes portability and multiple uses and with a service like VOIP, it’s all about mobility.
Everyone knows that VOIP is a great service. It offers cheap or even free phone calls, less equipment and the ability to combine uses on your computer. With that kind of functionality, it’s a safe bet that more than a few people are looking for ease and speed. No one wants to log on to their computer and set up a bunch of equipment so they can use their VOIP service.
With WiFi service covering almost every inch of major cities these days, the free application of VOIP via broadband enable cellular phones is getting a lot of technophiles excited. Mobile VOIP is on the horizon.
Technology for Mobility
Mobile VOIP relies most often on WiFi service, something that is still penetrating the various corners of the consumer world. Much like how broadband service was still spreading 6 or so years ago, WiFi has still only penetrated to about 10% of the user base in
Right now, companies like Mobiboo are hard at work putting together their pocket internet phone for use in utilizing broadband WiFi access with VOIP services. In the
Vonage’s VOIP Service
To compete with up and coming mobile VOIP services, Vonage along with other existing VOIP service providers, has begun to offer ways to access WiFi service through a standard Internet phone. Vonage’s WiFi UTStarcom F1000 phone is the perfect option for existing Vonage customers to use their service via a mobile phone.
Cellular VOIP Service
In 2005, TalkPlus launched the first domestic mobile VOIP service that took advantage of WiFi hotspots to make cell service a little cheaper. The best part about services like TalkPlus is that it utilizes existing cell phone technology to access WiFi and GSM internet access. It’s simpler and cheaper than standard broadband VOIP access.
Last summer, Nokia introduced their own SIP stack that allows the E-series of dual mode WiFi handsets to operate efficiently in numerous situations. In November they released a consumer version of the same handset in the N80 Internet Edition. What all those acronyms mean is that the commercially available phones are now available that allow swapping from free mobile VOIP to standard cellular service.
The Cost
The service cost is different depending on which method you use. If you were to buy an internet phone service from a company that only offers internet phone service, you will pay for the phone and for the service. If you are interested in accessing VOIP from an existing phone service, you will pay by the minute for your broadband access. For those interested in utilizing an existing VOIP service with an internet enabled phone such as Vonage, you only pay for the phone. Because of the magic that is WiFi technology, free VOIP access is soon to be a reality for many city dwellers.
Comparing these prices, you’ll note how they vary depending on what you’re looking for. Generally, if you already have at home VOIP access, the one time cost of an internet phone is likely your best bet.
Making the Switch
For those interested in getting started with mobile VOIP service, it largely depends on where you live as to whether this is a good choice or not. If you live in a small town with broadband access and limited WiFi access, you’ll probably be left with minimal choices directly related to your cell phone service. For those in a large city though, you can save hundreds of dollars annually by
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