MOBILE VOIP FOR THE MASSES
Many people are now familiar with Voice of IP Services, such as Skype, or Vonage, which essentially route phone calls over the internet, circumventing the traditional phone network. By converting the calls into packets that are transmitted across the internet, consumers can reduce their phone expenses. With the advent of wireless 3G and Wi-Fi services and unlimited flat rate data plans, VOIP services have started to make inroads within the wireless industry, with users utilizing the technology to avoid using their wireless minutes and incurring long distance and roaming fees. Naturally, not all of the cell phone providers are enthusiastic about the introduction of VOIP within the wireless industry. If calls are routed over their wireless high speed data networks, customers do not use their minutes and the carriers stand to lose significant revenues. However, one company, T-Mobile, has decided to embrace mobile VOIP and have it work to their competitive advantage. T-Mobile currently offers a service called, HotSpot@Home, which allows users to use special cell phones to switch seamlessly between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. This gives their users the opportunity to improve their coverage area and reduce expenses. This service works with the help of any Wi-Fi router found in most homes, coffee shops or college campuses. Here are T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home mobile phones: For users who are not T-Mobile subscribers the wireless VOIP terrain is more complex to navigate. To utilize VOIP, users needs to have a VOIP enabled handset, access to a high-speed wireless network (Wi-Fi or 3G), a VOIP service and client software. Now let's examine the different services that offer VOIP for cell phones. Skype VOIP Phones
As mentioned earlier, their VOIP service is popular with PC-to-PC/Phone communication and has millions of users around the world. Recently, Skype has expanded into the mobile VOIP market. The advantages of choosing this program are numerous. Skype Mobile is compatible with over 50 popular handsets and its service is free or inexpensive to use. Mobile Skype features include chatting, presence settings, and Skype-to-Skype calls (including SkypeIn). Truphone Free Call
Truphone mobile VOIP software enables users to make free calls to other Truphone users by routing calls through the Internet. Truphone users also have the benefit of making calls to both mobile and landline phones for a low fee. In addition, users can receive free incoming calls while on the Truphone network. A potential drawback of this service is that it only works with Wi-Fi and 3G networks. This program is only compatible with a limited number of mobile phone models, including the Nokia E and N series mobile phones. Apple iPhone users can also use thus service to make mobile VOIP calls. Truphone has also launched a beta version of its mobile VoIP application for BlackBerry devices. With this newly released mobile VoIP application, BlackBerry users can make international calls without relying on US mobile phone carriers. This mobile VoIP application for Blackberries can be used anywhere and offers a simple calling process. BlackBerry owners can benefit from rates as low as 6 cents per minute on international calls. New customers will be given a $1 credit upon signing up for this Truphone VoIP application. Fring VOIP
Let's move on to the Fring mobile VOIP service. Fring is another free mobile application that can be installed on a mobile phone for affordable calls and messages. Fring users get free calls if they contact other Fring users. Calls to landline and mobile networks are offered at low rates. Users can also use this mobile VOIP program to communicate with users of other instant messaging services such as Skype, MSN Messenger, AIM, Yahoo etc. However, only a limited number of handsets can use Fring. This mobile VOIP program also requires a data service plan and can only be used on Wi-Fi, 3G, and GPRS enabled Smartphones. Gizmo5
Now let's discuss Gizmo5, a service that was formerly called the Gizmo Project. This mobile VOIP program is Skype's lesser known rival. Gizmo5 allows users to make VOIP calls to other Gizmo5 users and provides IM conversations with users who are using Gizmo5, MSN, AIM, Yahoo and Jabber. This service also offers free calls to landline and mobile phones to people in 60 countries as well as free voicemail service. Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz is a mobile VOIP service that works on most Java enabled mobile phones. It offers free chat and SMS as well as low rates calls. This service allows users to use their handsets to make calls to users on MSN or Yahoo. Nimbuzz users can also share media such as photos and video. This mobile VOIP service also provides widgets that allow calls to originate from Facebook and MySpace over a Wi-Fi connection. This service is compatible with many services including Skype, Google Talk, AOL Instant Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo, and Jabber IM networks. Talkster Phone Services
Now let's talk about Talkster, a mobile VOIP service that allows users to make phone-to-phone calls without installing any application on your device. Talkster works on any 3G, Wi-Fi or GPRS handset with a mobile Web browser. It provides free long distance, international and conference calls. It's also compatible with Gizmo Project, Google Talk, and MSN. Here is a list of mobile phones that are compatible with VOIP services: Nokia Mobile VOIP
Blackberry Mobile VOIP
Apple VOIP iPhoneHTC VOIPPalm VOIPMotorola VOIP
iMate Mobile VOIPSony Ericsson
LGSamsungTo learn more about VOIP, check out Wikipedia. |
