VoIP Monitor - WiFi

VoIP Supply Adds Ruckus Wireless “Smart Wi-Fi” Products

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:16:10 GMT

VoIP Supply is pleased to announce the addition of Ruckus Wireless products that specialize in Wi-Fi for both enterprise and service provider markets.

Routing Wi-Fi signals can be unreliable due to interference, obstacles, and the sometimes erratic behavior of wireless signals themselves. Ruckus Wireless has developed “Smart Wi-Fi” to combat those barriers to a secure wireless network and restore faith in what companies love about Wi-Fi.

“VoIP Supply is excited to offer revolutionary Wi-Fi products from a manufacturer with such an impressive track record,” said Garrett Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at VoIP Supply. “Today’s Wi-Fi systems face increasing levels of interference and obstacles. Ruckus delivers the unthinkable - Reliability, range and speed by automatically adapting to the surrounding environment.”

For additional information about the Ruckus Wireless systems available through VoIP Supply, call toll-free 1-800-398-8647, or visit http://www.voipsupply.com/manufacturer/ruckus-wireless.

RIM Announces BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 with Voice Over Wi-Fi Calling for Avaya and Legacy Nortel Communications Systems

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:58:11 GMT

Research In Motion is helping more businesses bring together the desk phone and smartphone. RIM announced plans to make BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 available to more corporate phone systems and unified communications applications. BlackBerry MVS 5 with voice over Wi-Fi calling will soon be available for Avaya Aura 6.1, Avaya CS1000 Communication Server, as well as legacy phone systems such as Avaya Communications Manager and Nortel Communication Server. It is also currently available for Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Call Manager Express, and Mitel Communications Director. BlackBerry MVS 5 has also been re-architected to be more extensible with third party applications and phone systems.

BlackBerry MVS unifies corporate phone systems with wireless communications allowing employees to cost effectively make and take desk phone calls practically anywhere in the world on their BlackBerry smartphones. BlackBerry MVS 5 supports calls over cellular or Wi-Fi networks with automatic, prompted or manual handoff between these networks based on employee or administrator preferences. Employees can make and take desk phone calls on their BlackBerry smartphone directly from the same phone interface they use for cellular calls and enjoy the convenience of single number reach, extension dialing, and phone system features like hold, transfer and ad-hoc conferencing. Calls are routed through the company's phone system, with a set of IT policies and controls for administrators to set least-cost routing for savings on long-distance and international roaming charges. Call routing through the corporate phone system also helps with adherence to company policies and regulatory compliance requirements.

Businesses, Healthcare and Government Embrace BlackBerry MVS

Businesses and government organizations are increasingly embracing BlackBerry MVS as an enterprise-grade unified communications solution as they adopt new work practices and evolve business processes across their organizations. BlackBerry MVS is also particularly popular in hospitals and healthcare facilities where doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are highly mobile on-site and require an effective way to reach staff and respond quickly.

LTT Vending Group, the largest independently-owned vending company for refreshment services in the United Kingdom, is a good example of an organization using BlackBerry MVS to increase the professionalism and productivity of their mobile workforce. With more than 80 percent of their workforce equipped with BlackBerry smartphones, and 25 percent of those currently set up with BlackBerry MVS, LTT Vending is projecting reduced telecommunication charges by at least one third with BlackBerry MVS.

Enabling Flexible Work Scenarios and an Increasingly Mobile Workforce

The introduction of voice over Wi-Fi calling with version 5 is also opening up new opportunities for businesses to securely and cost effectively connect their mobile work force, embrace flexible work scenarios such as telecommuting, and advance the agility and responsiveness of their organizations by enabling employees to be more accessible while away from their desks.

Organizations are embracing opportunities presented by BlackBerry MVS in a number of work scenarios, including:

One BlackBerry Smartphone for Both Work and Personal Phone Calls with Separate Bills – Companies can allow employees to use company-owned BlackBerry smartphones for personal phone calls, or personal BlackBerry smartphones for work phone calls, while keeping the bills separate and company phone calls managed with BlackBerry MVS. The cell number can be used for personal while the BlackBerry MVS number can be used for business. Separate and distinct ring tones identify calls as work or personal. Also importantly, employers keep the work phone number if an employee leaves, thereby preserving control of incoming calls from customers, business partners and other parties that are relevant to the business.
Desk Phone Alternative – A BlackBerry smartphone with BlackBerry MVS provides common capabilities of a desk phone and can be used as a wireless extension of a desk phone or even as an alternative to a desk phone for highly mobile employees such as sales staff.
On-Campus Wi-Fi Only Desk Phone Extensions – BlackBerry MVS can also be used to deploy Wi-Fi-only BlackBerry smartphones for Wi-Fi-enabled multi-campus operations or for employees who are highly mobile in a Wi-Fi-enabled building or campus and who do not require cellular service. Examples include doctors and nurses in hospitals, customer service staff in hotels, and workers in manufacturing.
Telecommuting – Employees who work from home and are set up with a home Wi-Fi network can use BlackBerry MVS on their BlackBerry smartphone for low-cost access over Wi-Fi to the corporate phone system without the need for a work-based landline or cellular line in some cases.

Extensible Architecture Makes BlackBerry MVS Available to More Phone Systems; Enables Integration with Unified Communications Applications

BlackBerry MVS 5 has been re-architected to be more extensible with third party applications and phone systems via SIP and VoIP gateways. A standards compliant and scalable VoIP gateway from AudioCodes has been added to BlackBerry MVS 5 to connect legacy and newer versions of Avaya and Nortel phone systems. A Universal SIP connector has also been added to the latest version of BlackBerry MVS to allow other phone system vendors to mobilize their IP-based offerings with BlackBerry MVS. Mitel® was the first phone system vendor to use the Universal SIP connector to build interoperability with BlackBerry MVS with its launch of Mitel Mobility for BlackBerry MVS 5. Vocera Communications also uses this direct SIP connection between the Vocera® communications system and the BlackBerry MVS 5 platform to support the Vocera Connect Wi-Fi BlackBerry client. In addition, a direct SIP connection was used to extend BlackBerry MVS 5 to Cisco phone systems.

Tribair is Launching a VoIP App for iPhone, Android and Blackberry with a Unique Social Revenue Rewarding Model

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:04:01 GMT

TRIBAIR is launching their global network of VOIP hotspots where members turn their personal or business WiFi into hubs for other members to use. When TRIBAIR users make paid long distance calls hotspot owners earn up to 20% of all revenues made over their hub. TRIBAIR aims to create the largest, decentralized VOIP community in the world.

Anyone with a smartphone can download the TRIBAIR application for iPhone, Android or Blackberry and includes a starter credit of 25 cents, which represents 17 minutes of calling to over 50 countries. They can make calls immediately using the application over WiFi or 3G. Members can take advantage of long distance VOIP calls to non members at rates that are 45% cheaper than Skype directly from their smartphones.

TRIBAIR is not just a service provider, it's a sharing community with a global vision. Each member contributes by opening their WiFi router secured by proprietary technology from TRIBAIR. The application automatically displays TRIBAIR free Wi-Fi networks anywhere in the world. Calls between members use only data, not airtime, which means further savings on airtime and roaming charges.

TRIBAIR users save money and make money while building a wireless community. Members are immediately incentivized to share and invite their personal call list as well as open up for the benefit of the members they don't personally know.

The TRIBAIR application is feature rich including:

push technology - unlike Skype, incoming call alerts reach the user whether the application is open or not
competitive long distance rates - on average 45 % cheaper than Skype
free calling between users
free chat, video and voice chats between users
community - Tribair members who open their WiFi to the community earn up to 20% of all paid calls made on their network

Vopium Launches Free Wi-Fi Calling App for the Nokia N8

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:47:30 GMT

Vopium to offer a VoIP application for Nokia’s new operating system Symbian ^3 and thereby Nokia’s new flagship phone N8. All N8 owners can now make free calls over Wi-Fi and mobile data networks and be sure of Vopium automatically finding the lowest call rate when calling. International calls are made using Vopium, while calls to local mobile phones are cheapest using local mobile providers. Vopium also offers an instant messaging feature, allowing users to chat on Facebook and Messenger on their Nokia N8. Vopium is currently offering 15 minutes of free worldwide calls.

Vopium is the first VoIP application for Nokia’s latest operating system Symbian ^3. Users can make free calls from their Nokia N8 to any other mobile phone with Vopium using either Wi-Fi or mobile data networks. Vopium features an advanced built-in phone function, which always finds the lowest rate for calls and text messages on your Symbian ^3 – either via regular calls on your mobile, 3G or Wi-Fi network. International calls, for example, are made using Vopium’s servers to the overseas mobile phone.

International calls at the lowest rates on N8

The current version of the Vopium application is available now for Symbian ^3 and Nokia N8 on www.vopium.com and offers low rates on calls to landline and mobile phones, even if they do not have Vopium installed. Rates include calls to any landline or mobile phone in Thailand for just under three cents plus the local mobile rate – working out at about the same cost as a local call.

15 minutes of free worldwide calls

Vopium is currently offering 15 minutes of free calls to all new users, which is a great opportunity to try out the application on the Nokia N8 or one of the more than 900 other supported mobile phones. To get started visit www.vopium.com and enter your mobile phone number or simply point your N8 mobile browser to get.vopium.com. The updated version of Vopium will be available on Nokia OVI store shortly.

RIM Announces BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 with Voice over Wi-Fi Calling

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:12:42 GMT

Research In Motion announces BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 with voice over Wi-Fi calling. BlackBerry MVS 5 works with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to provide a business user with the ability to use their regular desk phone number and extension from their BlackBerry smartphone. With the new version 5, an employee will be able to use a single work phone number shared between their desk phone and BlackBerry smartphone and make and receive enterprise calls on their BlackBerry smartphone over a Wi-Fi connection, adding to the existing capability available over cellular networks.

An increasingly mobile workforce and the growing number of employees working from home present challenges for businesses to keep their staff accessible through their work phone number and keep calling costs under control. With BlackBerry MVS 5, calls made through BlackBerry MVS are routed through the corporate phone system/Private Branch Exchange, which helps with adherence to company policies and enables potential savings on long-distance and international roaming charges. Employees also benefit from the convenience of a single work phone number shared between their desk phone and BlackBerry smartphone. Employees can be more reachable through their work phone number and can even enjoy the convenience of extension dialing from their BlackBerry smartphone as well as the flexibility to move calls from their BlackBerry smartphone to their desk phone. It’s also easy to use since incoming calls ring simultaneously on the employee’s desk phone and BlackBerry smartphone and employees access BlackBerry MVS using the same phone interface that they are already familiar with on their BlackBerry smartphone.

RIM and Cisco have worked closely to integrate BlackBerry MVS 5 with Cisco Unified Communications Manager to deliver an enhanced user experience. The solution has been tested for interoperability and will be supported by both RIM and Cisco.

Advanced IT features built into BlackBerry MVS 5 will help to provide controlled, managed and secure use of BlackBerry smartphones with the corporate phone system. Key features include:

Wi-Fi network access controls to set which Wi-Fi networks employees can access
Network preference settings with the option of prioritizing the use of Wi-Fi or cellular for making phone calls
Authentication to help ensure that only authorized BlackBerry smartphones have access to the corporate phone system
Incoming call filtering based on allowed and blocked caller lists
A new interoperability platform has also been added to BlackBerry MVS 5 to enable telecommunications companies to offer BlackBerry MVS 5 as part of their corporate phone system offerings. RIM is working with leading companies to make BlackBerry MVS available for a range of PBX systems.

BlackBerry MVS 5 is expected to be available later this year.

Truphone Brings Wi-Fi Calling To Android Devices

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:53:35 GMT

Truphone announces the immediate free availability of its new application for Android enabled mobile handsets, introducing Wi-Fi calling on this platform for the first time.

The new Truphone for Android release 3.0 integrates a full VoIP engine allowing users to make free calls to Truphone, Google Talk and Skype users when both parties are in Wi-Fi, in addition to low cost calls to landlines and mobiles around the world whether they are in or out of Wi-Fi. This, coupled with a new, refreshed interface makes this the application of choice for the user who wants top quality user experience from their mobile VoIP application. The new release version 3.0 replaces the current live version 2.0.

The Truphone application for Android is available now as a free download in the Android Market. The new Truphone Android application is compatible with the HTC G1, HTC Magic and HTC Hero. Compatibility with other Android models with firmware 1.5 or above, including the Motorola Droid and the Nexus One will follow soon.

Truphone's Android application also includes fully integrated multi-headed Instant Messaging support for Skype, Google Talk, AIM, Yahoo! and MSN customers, allowing users to easily switch between different conversations and keep in touch with their friends whichever IM service they use.

The application builds on the company's previous release which allowed customers to make low cost calls on their mobiles when out of Wi-Fi. When out of Wi-Fi, the application works by making a local GSM call to the Truphone gateway (if a customer has a bundled package of minutes this call is often free, otherwise is charged as a 'local call'*), from where the call is then routed over the Truphone network. For details on Truphone's low-cost call rates visit www.truphone.com.

American Airlines Launches Wi-Fi Widget, However Cell Phone and VoIP Use Are Prohibited

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:16:54 GMT

American Airlines is launching its new Wi-Fi Widget that enables customers to identify Wi-Fi equipped flights 24 hours prior to departure. Customers can visit aa.com/wifiwidget to find and use the Wi-Fi Widget. The tool allows travelers to determine if their American Airlines flight will be scheduled with Wi-Fi enabled aircraft. Customers can also embed the Wi-Fi Widget in their own blogs, Web sites, and social network sites, which makes finding Wi-Fi on American Airlines flights even easier.

Simply enter your flight number or select your flight's departure airport from a drop down menu to find out in seconds if your flight is scheduled on a Wi-Fi equipped aircraft. For a quick video demonstration of how to use the Wi-Fi Widget.

Recently American completed the installation of Wi-Fi on 150 MD-80 aircraft. Combined with the 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft that also have the service, American Airlines fleet now has 165 planes that are capable of providing customers with the ability to surf the Web, check e-mail, send instant messages, and more on a greater number of flights. In August 2008, American became the first U.S. airline to launch the Gogo service. Since then, thousands of customers traveling on American aircraft have enjoyed onboard Wi-Fi service while flying throughout the United States.

Coming soon, customers will also be able to determine if their flight has Wi-Fi by looking for the Wi-Fi symbol on the AA electronic gate information display screens at the airport.

Gogo service turns an American Airlines flight into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Once the aircraft has reached 10,000 feet, users can simply turn on their Wi-Fi enabled devices - such as laptops, smartphones and handheld PDAs - then open their browsers and be directed to the Gogo portal page where they sign up and begin surfing. Gogo also provides complimentary access to all that AA.com has to offer, including booking flights, hotel stays and rentals, checking AAdvantage accounts, and more.

Once connected, passengers can surf the Web, check e-mail, send instant messages, access a corporate VPN, and even start holiday shopping with SkyMall. By placing an online SkyMall order onboard, customers will receive a $12.95 discount on orders totaling more than $100 - covering the price of the Gogo session.

Each paid Gogo session includes full Internet, e-mail and VPN access. Cell phone and VoIP service use are prohibited.

Aruba Network Certifies the Wireless snom 800 Series VoIP Desk Phones

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:16:30 GMT

Aruba Networks and snom announce that the wireless snom 820 and 870 VoIP Desktop Phones have been certified interoperable with multi-use Aruba 802.11n wireless LANs. Multi-use networks share wireless infrastructure among different voice, data, and video applications, and are increasingly popular because they eliminate redundancy, enhance user mobility, and significantly lower deployment and operating costs. Cost savings come in part from scaling down -- or rightsizing -- expensive wired Ethernet infrastructure in favor of low-cost, more energy-efficient Wi-Fi networks. Desk phones have traditionally been tethered to wired Ethernet connections, but the new wireless snom phones allow these connections to be rightsized, too.

Network rightsizing is a three step process in which the utilization of existing wired Ethernet infrastructure is assessed, unused or underutilized ports and switches are consolidated to lower recurring costs and energy usage, and mobile users and devices are migrated to 802.11n Wi-Fi networks. The cost savings and carbon footprint reduction obtained from network rightsizing have been demonstrated in projects large and small. Migrating desk phones from wired to wireless connections promises to boost rightsizing savings even further, while delivering the freedom to locate and move phones at will.

Industry analysts report an advancing wave of SIP-capable equipment, and the technology is the clear choice for new phone deployments. Major UC/PBX vendors now offer SIP connectivity on the station side, avoiding the need to implement multiple proprietary signaling protocols.

The snom 820 VoIP phone has been compliance-tested by Avaya for compatibility with Avaya IP Office 5.0, and features a large high-resolution TFT color display, integrated XML browser, speakerphone with interference noise suppression, secure VPN, 5-way conferencing, multiple ringtones, and up to twelve different SIP identities. The 870 VoIP phone includes a larger touch-screen display, larger address book, and additional security features.

Aruba uses wireless snom phones in its Sunnyvale HQ facility and new Rockefeller Center offices in New York City. The latter is a completely wireless VoIP deployment anchored by an Avaya IP-PBX in Sunnyvale.

BT Hits Halfway to One Million Wi-Fi Hotspots

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:41:40 GMT

BT is halfway towards its goal this year of building a million-strong Wi-Fi hotspot network, the company announced today. High speed public wireless broadband is now available at 500,000 homes, businesses and city centres in the UK and Ireland.

The sites include hotspots provided by the BT FON Wi-Fi Community, BT Openzone, 12 ‘wireless’ city centres, plus BT Openzone hotspots via the BT Business Hub. Well known brands offering access include Hilton, Thistle and Ramada Jarvis hotels, Caffe Nero and Starbucks coffee stores, Welcome Break and Roadchef Costa service stations, BA, Flybe and Skyteam airport lounges.

4.8 million BT consumer and business broadband – plus BT Mobile Broadband - users have inclusive network minutes in their contracts to surf the net, work or make cheaper VoIP calls. Last year BT also reduced the cost of its Wi-Fi for casual users, making it available from as little as 1/2p per minute. A further 50,000 hotspots are available in the UK and overseas through international roaming partners.

IPEVO Equips USO Pacific Region with Skype Phones

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:08:14 GMT

IPEVO announces that 18 USO centers across the Pacific Region will deploy its S0-10 Skype Desktop Phone and S0-20 Wi-Fi Phone for Skype devices. Using Skype and the IPEVO phones, more than 890,000 troops and their families that use the centers each year will now have a free communications link back home, without the need for a computer to make calls.

The S0-10 is a fully certified desktop Skype phone for the home and office. Connecting directly through an existing network, the S0-10 eliminates the need to use a computer for IP calls. The S0-20 is a Wi-Fi phone that gives users the flexibility and mobility to use Skype wirelessly in a home or office Wi-Fi network. People traditionally think that you need a computer to use Skype, but with IPEVO's stand-alone phones, calls can be made using a Skype account directly on the device.

Virgin America First Airline to Offer Fleetwide WiFi

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:11:14 GMT

Virgin America is the first and only airline to offer Gogo In-flight Internet service on every flight. As of today, guests on any of Virgin America's 100 daily flights have the option to surf the Web, check e-mail, or log on to their corporate VPN - all from the comfort of their seats at 37,000 feet. Virgin America marks this in-flight WiFi milestone with another first for an airline: an air-to-ground Skype video call with Oprah Winfrey which will air this Thursday, May 21 on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

"As a new airline, Virgin America is reinventing the typical domestic air travel experience with award-winning service and brand new, beautifully designed planes equipped with the latest technology and entertainment. With power outlets at every Virgin America seat, Gogo has now turned our planes into WiFi hotspots and home offices in the air," said Porter Gale, Vice President of Marketing for Virgin America. "Hosting a chat from a plane at 37,000 feet to Oprah Winfrey in her studio is a fun example of how Virgin America is embracing technology and meeting the needs of consumers who want to stay connected."

Virgin America in-flight teammate Mandalay Roberts chats with Oprah Winfrey on this Thursday's episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, entitled "Where the Skype Are You?" via video chat from the First Class cabin of Virgin America Flight VX780 en route from Seattle to Los Angeles. Oprah Winfrey also surprised and met some of the 120 guests on board the regularly scheduled commercial flight and hosted the first ever Skype-enabled in-flight wine tasting, where Virgin America guests swirled, sniffed and sipped right along with her from the skies.

Although Virgin America does not typically allow VoIP products like Skype video call in-flight due to concerns about maintaining a quiet, restful cabin environment, guests can currently use Gogo to Skype via the instant message feature, in addition to e-mailing, tweeting, updating their Facebook pages and any of the myriad other ways the web is keeping people connected. The early roll out of the Gogo service across the airline's network makes Virgin America the first and only airline to offer consumers in-flight WiFi on every flight - regardless of route, aircraft type, or flight time.

"We were thrilled to virtually host Oprah Winfrey and her audience on-board one of our flights. The excitement people have about in-flight WiFi has been reflected in the rave reviews we've received from our guests since we launched the service on our first plane back in November. Our tech-savvy fliers have already embraced the option, as we're regularly seeing up to one-quarter of guests on any given flight logged on," added Gale.

The Gogo service is available for $12.95 for daytime flights of over three hours, $9.95 for daytime flights of less than three hours, $5.95 on red-eye flights and $7.95 for handheld devices. In November 2008, Virgin America launched Gogo In-flight Internet on its first flight with a first ever "air-to-ground" video stream to YouTube Live - YouTube's first official real-world user event. In February 2009, the airline became the first to host a live national television broadcast via WiFi stream while in-flight over the coast of Massachusetts with CBS News' THE EARLY SHOW. This spring, Virgin America also became the first and only carrier to show guests which flights were WiFi enabled at the time of booking, as the airline continued to roll out its service fleetwide.

Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston and Orange County. The airline is one of the fastest growing of all time, with an all-new Airbus A320-family fleet and daily flights from: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, SFO to SEA, SEA to LAX, JFK to LAS, BOS to LAX, BOS to SFO and SFO to SNA.

KPN Hotspots Expands Wi-Fi Partnership with Proxim Wireless

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:48:14 GMT

Proxim Wireless announces that KPN Hotspots, Holland's largest provider of Wi-Fi hotspots, is expanding its partnership with Proxim as the provider of its Wi-Fi networking equipment. KPN already has more than 2,000 of Proxim's ORiNOCO AP-700 and AP-4000 access points deployed throughout Holland and has partnered with Proxim to deliver Wi-Fi hotspot services for nearly three years. KPN announces that it has ordered more than 600 new access points from Proxim to continue the expansion of its network.

KPN currently has thousands of hotspots throughout Holland at establishments such as:

Hotel chains -- Including Van Der Valk, Holland's largest hotel chain
Restaurants and cafes -- Including the Campanile, La Place and AC Restaurants
Gas stations -- Gas stations throughout Holland offer customers the ability to connect and check email/Internet
Railways and public transportation -- Including NS railway stations

The planned expansion will include the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots at Holland's Holiday parks. KPN will be extending hotspot service to over 100 Holiday parks throughout the country, including both indoor Wi-Fi access in the bungalows and guest rooms via Proxim's ORiNOCO AP-700 and AP-4000 radios, as well as outdoor Wi-Fi service in common areas and parks via Proxim's Wi-Fi mesh equipment.

Skype Wi-Fi Access to be Powered by Boingo Wireless

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:15:04 GMT

Boingo Wireless and Skype announce agreement that will allow Skype users to access more than 100,000 Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, and pay using Skype Credit. The feature, called Skype Access, will be embedded into Skype as a core feature, first in the Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta software released today and then in versions of Skype for other operating systems sometime in 2009.

The new application lets users connect to a Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot with a single click and to pay per minute only for what they use. Skype Access actively scans for available Boingo hotspots and presents a pop-up dialogue box displaying the price per minute to use the Boingo network using Skype Credit. Boingo’s Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy apply and access to all Internet services will be provided on a simple, per minute billing basis.

Boingo gives people the best choice of Wi-Fi hotspots by combining more than 100,000 locations from more than 150 leading Wi-Fi operators into one worldwide network spanning 90 countries.

By sharing one authentication and enrollment process, one download and one payment method, the Skype-Boingo collaboration clears a path between one of the most popular communications platforms on the Internet with the world’s largest network of Wi-Fi hotspot operators.

Skype Access will be embedded into the Skype client as a core feature. In addition to Skype Credit and a Wi-Fi-enabled laptop, users must have Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta installed and running. Prices will vary based on location and currency. There are no connection fees or monthly charges for Skype Access.

Junction Networks Chooses fring to Turn Mobile Devices Into PBX Extensions

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:24:54 GMT

Boingo Mobile Supports Wi-Fi Enabled Sony Ericsson Smartphones

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:10:35 GMT

Boingo announces that owners of Wi-Fi enabled Sony Ericsson UIQ 3.0 handsets can now download the Boingo Mobile application to get online worldwide at more than 80,000 Boingo hotspots. Boingo Mobile identifies hotspots that are part of the Boingo Wi-Fi network and automatically authenticates users. Boingo’s network includes more than 500 airports including 85 of the top 100 airports worldwide – as well as hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, cafés and retail locations.

Boingo Mobile supports Wi-Fi enabled Sony Ericsson smartphones such as the W960i, P1i; and the recently announced G900.

“An increasing number of smartphones with Wi-Fi capability are now available in the market, giving consumers the option to access their favorite phone applications over a fast and inexpensive connection,” said Jonathan Mendelson, general manager of Boingo Mobile. “Sony Ericsson customers can now experience the broadband speed and great online experience provided by Boingo Mobile Wi-Fi.”

For a monthly, flat-fee, Boingo Mobile is a fast and inexpensive connectivity option for multimedia mobile applications such as VoIP calls, video streaming, and file uploading and downloading. Boingo Mobile subscribers enjoy unlimited usage for only $7.95, €5.95 or £3.95 per month, with no per-minute or per-megabyte fees, no contracts and no cancellation penalties. Sony Ericsson customers receive the first month free when they sign up at http://mobile.boingo.com/se.

Airspan Introduces WiMAX for 1.4 - 1.5 GHz

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:29:27 GMT

Airspan introduces a new Broadband Wireless solution that supports the frequency bands from 1.4 - 1.5 GHz. The solution includes base station equipment and a suite of subscriber devices including models with support for Voice over IP and WiFi.

A complete end-to-end solution, Airspan's new product offering includes the MicroMAX Base Station and EasyST, ProST, and ProST-WiFi subscriber units, all compliant with the IEEE802.16d standard. The solution also works with other band-independent Airspan products, including VoIP and WiFi extensions for EasyST and ProST, as well as VoiceMAX -- the company's unique solution for enabling VoIP QoS over a WiMAX network.

Legacy TDM radio relay systems in 1.5-GHz were often deployed for voice by operators with universal service obligations. Now, many countries are pursuing universal service obligations for broadband. With this solution, Airspan provides a broadband product in the same frequency and, with VoiceMAX, provides lifeline quality voice service that the users of these legacy systems have come to rely on.

sipgate Offering the Pirelli DualPhone DP-L10 for £59.00

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:23:49 GMT

Sipgate is currently making mobile VoIP affordable for everyone - via Dual Mode Mobile Phone (GSM/Wifi) and is offering the 'Pirelli DP-L10' for a sensational GBP59. Because of its free SIM-lock, the Pirelli can be used by any cellular customer. Orders can be placed at sipgate's Online-Shop at sipgate.co.uk/shop for everyone even for those who are not sipgate VoIP customers.

On one hand, the 'Pirelli DP L10' is a GSM-Triband mobile phone, on the other hand it is a VoIP telephone which permits a mobile Internet telephony via WLAN. Therefore, up to five WLAN-Hotspots can be securely set up. Users can decide at the push of a button whether or not to converse via cellular or the less expensive VoIP. Incoming calls are automatically signalized by both networks. If no WLAN hot spot is available, calls to the local number of the VoIP account can be fowarded to the mobile telephone number. To easily set up the configuration of the VoIP and WLAN parameter, sipgate provides a customized quick-start guide.

Among other things the 'Pirelli DP L10' has a colour display (65K colours), a VGA camera and a phone book for 500 entries. Additional features include SMS, MMS, WAP 2.0 and E-Mail that even synchronizes contacts with Outlook. Securing the WLAN connection is through WEP, WPA or WPA2. The battery allows for a talk time up to four hours and a stand-by time of up to 180 hours. Moreover, the Pirelli is really lightweight at only 98 grams and just as handy as a normal mobile telephone measuring 10,5 x 4 x 1,4 cm.

Tpad Launches Mobile VoIP on Nokia WiFi Mobiles

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:05:26 GMT

Tpad announces the availability of a free SMS text service that will automatically setup a WiFi enabled mass-market mobile phone that will bring free or ultra low cost mobile VoIP calls to millions.

The SMS text service is currently configured for Nokia's latest E and N series phones and will be constantly updated when leading mobile phone producers such as Samsung and Motorola release their brand new WiFi phones later this year.

Mobile calls between Tpad users are free worldwide if the calls are routed over their WiFi Connection. All other PSTN calls from the user's WiFi mobile to any other landline or mobile in the world will be charged at the usual low Tpad VoIP rates.

This SMS text service has been designed to remove the need for complicated set up procedures. At Tpad, set up is easy and fast, customers simply create a free mobile account and then they will automatically receive a free SMS text that will configure their phone's SIP settings with Tpad.

Tpad integrates seamlessly with the phone using the existing address book, so there's no need to retype your contacts. Once set up to use a WiFi hotspot, the mobile connects automatically next time the phone is in range.

The beauty of this service is that no special software is needed, as it uses the inbuilt software that Nokia already has pre-installed. This ensures that there will be full compatibility with trouble free usage.

Infineon Brings VoIP Functionality to Low-cost Mobile Phones

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:07:57 GMT

Infineon Technologies to offer VoIP functionality for low-cost mobile phones, enabling operators to offer fixed-mobile convergence by integrating Wi-Fi on its mobile phone platform. The solution helps to significantly reduce the bill-of-materials cost for Wi-Fi enabled cell phones by up to 50 percent compared to existing solutions.

At the Spring VON.x Conference and Expo in California, Infineon announced the availability of its reference platform for a low-cost dual-mode GSM/Wi-Fi solution. Together with Atheros Communications, Infineon has developed a fully-functional, low-cost, dual-mode GSM/Wi-Fi mobile platform. The complete reference solution will bring Wi-Fi technology to low-cost mobile phones, enabling millions of users worldwide to make high-quality VoIP calls at virtually no cost when connected to wireless local area networks.

The XMM 1013 platform delivers VoIP capabilities as well as GSM services for mobile handsets. To date, Wi-Fi technology has been used as a connectivity option for accessing Internet data in high-end smartphones. This new platform adds full VoIP capabilities to cellular handsets at unprecedented price points.

SimplyWiFi SIP Phone by Wisecom Tech.

VoIP Monitor — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:14:12 GMT

SimplyWiFi allows you to chat and make free internet calls or low cost regular calls. It works wherever there is a broadband connection; offices, residential areas, airports, cafés, hotels and public hot spots. No laptop, headset or cables needed.

SimplyWiFi is a small and light weight phone with high audio quality and an extraordinary talk time of 10 hours and 250 hours stand-by time. Smart navigation and a simple set-up make it easy to use and easy to set up. All functions can be configured on your phone by the operator before delivery. SimplyWiFi enables you to make encrypted calls over a radio link, handle your contacts and send instant messages, besides the traditional functions of mobile phones.

The build-in WiFi functionality includes all common features such as DHCP, authentication and encryption.

With its flexible open source Linux platform, SimplyWiFi phones can be designed to fit most VoIP software and technical standards, as well as specific industrial design requirements.

SimplyWiFi is the perfect product for the mobile generation with high demands on comfort, flexibility and low cost communication.

1. Phonebook records
2. Volume control for headset and dialtones
3. Brightness control
4. Support for strong security and ESSID authentication
5. Battery and signal level metering (RF and Battery indication)
6. Update via USB port
7. Extended stand-by time
8. Pixel-based full-color user interface display
9. Provisioning support
10. Support SIP and RTP/RTCP protocol
11. Instant messaging (SIMPLE)
12. Chat key
13. Caller ID
14. NTP time synchronization
15. Acoustic Echo Cancellation
16. Jitter Buffer Control
17. DTMF Transmission
18. Call mute
19. Call redial
20. Call transfer (depending on service provider)
21. Call history (Answered, dialed and missed calls)
22. Preconfigured speed dial (voice mail)
23. Silent ring (Vibrate mode)
24. Customized ringtones
25. Language support
26. Backlight keypad
27. SIP account management (multiple, locked and hidden)
28. Network profile management (multiple, locked and hidden)

Specifications:

Talk timeup: to 10 h
Standby timeup: to 250 h (network dependent)
VOIP Protocol: SIP v2 Session Initiation Protocol (RFC3261), SDP (RFC2327)
Voice codec: sG.711a/u, G.723.1, G.729a/b, G.726, ILBC
Spreading: 802.11b/g: DSSS, OFDM
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz~2.4835GHz (subject to local regulations)
Number of Channels: USA, Canada and Taiwan – 11, Most European Countries – 13, Japan – 14
Transmit Power: 19-21 dBm for 802.11b, 17 dBm for 802.11g @ Normal Temp Range
Dimension: 46.7 x 135.2 x 18.8 mm, 1.84 x 5.32 x 0.74 inch
Weight: 106 g
Temperature range: 0-45℃ operating
Humidity: 10%-95%
Battery: 3,7V 1320 mAh Li-Polymer
Charging: USB/mini-USB cable or AC adapter with mini-USB cable
VoIP chip: AT76C902 (ARM7 + ARM9 +TeakDSPCore)
Display: 2.0", 176x220 pxl graphic 65K color TFT-LCD

Network Requirement:

Wireless standards: IEEE 802.11g and 802.11b for Wireless LAN
Network Protocol: UDP/TCP
Antenna > 1 dBi gain
Security and authentication: WEP (64/128-bit), WPA/WPA2(Personal/PSK/Enterprise), Open System, Shared Key

De-Fi Mobile Selects BroadSoft to Enable Voice-over-WiFi App's

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:12:19 GMT

De-Fi Mobile has chosen BroadSoft’s BroadWorks VoIP application platform to enable the delivery of media-rich, advanced IP features and global voice service to mobile users, regardless of their wireless carrier and with predictable, affordable pricing.

De-Fi Mobile’s new Straight Talk service disrupts the existing mobile services market by bridging the gaps between carrier networks, handset manufacturers and mobile application providers that has left subscribers with hit-or-miss call quality and often exorbitant pricing for non-local calling. Straight Talk, unveiled at Mobile World Congress, will allow users to enjoy advanced BroadWorks calling features on dual-mode handsets, and the ability to dial to and from anywhere in the world without worrying about high-cost roaming tariffs and long distance charges.

De-Fi Mobile has created its own IP Network for which BroadWorks will provide a consistent call experience across the IP domain and Circuit Switch domain, allowing WiFi-enabled mobile phones to access the SIP-based network. Through peering and interconnect agreements with over 220 carriers, cable and DSL providers globally, the De-Fi Mobile network combines carrier-grade architecture and next-generation mobile technology to deliver a seamless, feature-rich user experience.

BroadWorks provides a range of services including call routing and call continuity, providing the pre-IMS architecture required to deliver high bandwidth mobile applications direct to mobile handsets provisioned with the De-Fi SIP client. De-Fi Mobile subscribers will also have access to BroadWorks features such as simultaneous ring and alternate numbers. De-Fi Mobile subscribers will benefit from a carrier-grade quality of service at affordable, predictable costs.

Consumers can sign up for the Straight Talk service on De-Fi’s web portal at http://www.defimobile.com/, and begin using the service within minutes. Subscribers can choose phone numbers in 28 countries. Straight Talk is currently available to users of Nokia E and N series phones. Additional handsets will be supported soon.

Starbucks and AT&T Partner to Offer Free Wi-Fi at Starbucks Stores

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:43:55 GMT

Starbucks plans to deliver AT&T Wi-Fi service at more than 7,000 company-operated Starbucks locations across the United States. The initiative brings together two of the most recognizable global brands to create a powerful and convenient online experience for consumers and business customers. Starbucks and AT&T will offer a mix of free and paid Wi-Fi offerings at Starbucks stores to meet the needs of both frequent and occasional Starbucks Wi-Fi customers.

The initiative further expands the AT&T Wi-Fi network, already the largest in the United States, to more than 17,000 U.S. hot spots and more than 70,000 globally.

Beginning this spring, Starbucks Card holders can enjoy up to two hours of free Wi-Fi service per day at Starbucks locations offering Wi-Fi access, while more than 12 million qualifying AT&T broadband and AT&T U-verseSM Internet customers will have unlimited free access to the Wi-Fi service. In addition, more than 5 million of AT&T's remote access services business customers will be able to access Wi-Fi service at Starbucks locations. AT&T will soon extend the benefits of Wi-Fi at Starbucks to its wireless customers.

As an added benefit for the more than 100,000 Starbucks partners in the U.S., all Starbucks partners will receive free AT&T Wi-Fi accounts allowing them to use the network in Starbucks company-operated locations offering Wi-Fi access.

In addition to the free Wi-Fi access for qualifying AT&T customers and any Starbucks Card holder, customers will be able to purchase tiered access to the AT&T Wi-Fi network at Starbucks at attractive price points. For a two-hour period, customers will pay just $3.99 per session. Monthly membership will also be available for $19.99 per month, and will include access to any of AT&T's 70,000 hot spots in 89 countries around the world.

AT&T business customers who subscribe to remote access services can also enjoy unlimited, flat-rate access plans at any Starbucks location offering Wi-Fi service or at other AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots.

Additionally, AT&T is providing Starbucks an enterprise-class network with increased bandwidth and redundancy. AT&T's underlying network technologies will enable a wide range of business applications and help Starbucks stores operate more efficiently.

The availability of AT&T Wi-Fi service at Starbucks will take place on a market-by-market basis with store implementation beginning this spring and completed by the end of the year.

Boingo Extends Mobile Wi-Fi Service to Windows Mobile 6 Devices

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:56:03 GMT

Boingo Wireless released a version of the Boingo Mobile Wi-Fi software that supports Windows Mobile 6.0 devices. With Boingo Mobile, users can automatically connect to Boingo’s network of tens of thousands of hotspots across the globe with an increasing number of mobile devices. Boingo Mobile, which is also available for Nokia S60 and Internet Tablet devices, has supported Windows Mobile 5.0 since Feb. 2007.

Using the latest version of Boingo Mobile, owners of Wi-Fi enabled Windows Mobile devices – including the HTC TyTN II, HP iPAQ 510, and the TMobile Dash – can maximize the networking capabilities of their handset by accessing Boingo’s worldwide hotspot network any time they’re out and about.

Boingo Mobile software automatically identifies Boingo-enabled hotspots and authenticates users with their Boingo account. Unlimited access to those hotspots is available for a flat rate of only $7.95, €5.95, or £3.95 per month.

Boingo will demonstrate Boingo Mobile on Windows Mobile 6 devices -- as well as Sony Ericsson and Nokia smartphones -- at the following GSMA Mobile World Congress locations:

Feb. 10: The Showstoppers media event at the Hotel Majestic Barcelona from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 11-14: The Boingo Wireless hospitality suite at Fira de Barcelona, Hall 4/Floor4/Hospitality Suite 30, by appointment only. To schedule a demonstration, contact Baochi Nguyen at bnguyen@boingo.com.

Boingo Mobile subscribers can use high-bandwidth Wi-Fi access for Internet-enabled services and applications such as wireless VoIP calls, emails with large attachments, streaming video, and news broadcasts. It provides unlimited high-speed Internet access with no premium charges or per-minute fees at all Boingo Mobile locations, including the places road warriors need it the most – airports, hotels, restaurants and convention centers worldwide.

Boingo Mobile is currently available for devices running Windows Mobile 6.0, Windows Mobile 5.0, Symbian S60 3rd Edition, and Linux. It has also been ported to Symbian UIQ and BREW. Users can download Boingo Mobile software from http://mobile.boingo.com/download/.

Partnership to Bring Instant Network Connections to Wi-Fi Phone Users at Hotspots

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:54:50 GMT

Broadcom and Boingo Wireless announce a strategic relationship that will enable instant wireless network connections for Wi-Fi phone users across the globe. As part of this strategic relationship, Broadcom is incorporating Boingo's Wi-Fi client software for handsets into its widely deployed Wi-Fi phone chipset platform currently shipping to handset OEMs and ODMs worldwide. Boingo Wi-Fi client software automatically scans for hotspots and instantly connects users to private and commercial networks, including the tens of thousands of hotspots that are part of the Boingo Roaming Network.

The integration of Boingo Wi-Fi software into the Broadcom Wi-Fi phone platform enables true global access to public Wi-Fi networks. Commercial Wi-Fi roaming allows business travelers, mobile workers and people on-the-go the ability to capitalize on high-speed connections in tens of thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots, in addition to their private networks at the office and at home. As VoIP solutions continue to gain momentum by offsetting traditional communications costs, while enabling new services to traditional voice calling applications, operators and consumers are looking for solutions that provide maximum versatility with greatest ease-of-use. The ability to provide instant network connections worldwide is a significant combined offering from Broadcom and Boingo.

BCM1161/BCM4318e Wi-Fi Platform

The BCM1161 is a second generation mobile VoIP processor designed specifically for Wi-Fi phones that feature advanced telephony and multimedia capabilities. This VoIP processor enables a compelling new class of multimedia and communications applications such as wideband voice, instant messaging and presence capabilities, video conferencing and data connectivity, all of which are not typically available from cordless phones used in homes today. The processor's advanced multimedia features include polyphonic ring-tone support and a 2 Megapixel digital camera.

A variety of telephony features are also supported by the BCM1161 including 3-way conferencing and speaker phone support, and high-fidelity voice capabilities through the use of Broadcom's BroadVoice technology. The BCM1161 integrates a CPU based on ARM9 technology, analog voice codec with a direct microphone and high-output speaker interface, 256K color LCD display interface and a USB 2.0 interface.

The BCM4318E is Broadcom's smallest and most cost effective 54g client solution that integrates a high performance 2.4 GHz radio, an IEEE 802.11b/g baseband processor, a media access controller and other key components integrated onto a single chip. Both the BCM4318E and BCM1161 devices are shipping in production today, and together with Broadcom PhonexChange VoIP and OneDriver software, support the latest quality of service, security and power save standards to enable a complete Wi-Fi phone solution.

TechFaith Launches WiFi Feature Phones

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:36:34 GMT

TechFaith announced the launch of "Wing," a feature-rich WiFi-capable phone, and two WiFi smartphones with the internal code names of "Pluto" and "Vista 850." The WiFi VoiP and SIP enabled working sample of Wing is ready, and shipment is expected at the end of the first quarter of 2008 upon receipt of customers' firm orders. A WCDMA WiFi phone is under development.

Both WiFi smartphones, Pluto and Vista 850, are based on Windows 6.0. The phones feature a 2.0 megapixel camera, an MP3 and MPEG4 player, push mail and Bluetooth capabilities. In addition, Pluto has GPS function, and Vista 850 is also a slim music phone with a 3.5mm audio jack and a flash user interface.

Truphone Selects the Ruckus ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi System

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:32:56 GMT

Ruckus Wireless announces that Truphone has deployed the Ruckus ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi system to support voice over Wi-Fi requirements within its corporate headquarters in London. Truphone is using the Ruckus ZoneFlex system within its corporate network to provide extended coverage and predictable Wi-Fi network services for some 40 staff that use its mobile Voice-over-IP technology to conduct day-to-day business.

Recently named a 2007 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, Truphone markets and operates critically-acclaimed technology that allows cell phones to route calls over the Internet using Wi-Fi rather than via traditional mobile operators. This enables users to make free mobile calls, send text messages, eliminate monthly fees and inbound charges.

Truphone are, naturally, highly-demanding users of Wi-Fi to give staff true mobility around the office while reducing operational costs.

Alistair Campbell, Chief Technology Officer at Truphone commented: "Wi-Fi is increasingly seen as a powerful business tool and many companies are starting to deploy mobile VoIP to benefit from low-cost, but good quality communications in the office and on the move. We use Ruckus routers in our offices for voice and data and have found them excellent at consistently delivering a high quality service."

Taking Wi-Fi Beyond Convenience

Truphone recently installed the new Ruckus ZoneFlex system including the ZoneFlex 2925 line of Smart Wi-Fi access points. Optimized for delay-sensitive traffic such as voice over IP and IP-based video applications, ZoneFlex leverages patented BeamFlex technology that utilizes a high-gain smart antenna array. BeamFlex uses sophisticated new techniques to extend Wi-Fi range and improve predictability by focusing Wi-Fi signals over the highest performing radio frequency (RF path) and automatically steering these signals around interference as it occurs.

"Voice is a natural application for WiFi, but the combination of small payloads and high jitter sensitivity makes it difficult to build networks that support high call densities," said Bill Kish, Chief Technology Officer at Ruckus Wireless. "To make matters worse, many handsets have poor radio performance due to power and space constraints. Our application-centric approach to QoS and adaptive radio optimization allows Ruckus APs to work around these problems and deliver call quality so good you'll forget that you're using cheap unlicensed spectrum."

BT And FON to Launch Largest Wi-Fi Community in UK

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:46:08 GMT

BT and FON promise to transform the UK's market for wireless broadband by launching BT FON, the world's largest Wi-Fi community. BT's more than 3 million consumer Total Broadband customers will be invited to join the global community of people sharing their broadband.

At launch, new members will be part of an existing community of 500,000 members and will have access to more than 190,000 FON hotspots worldwide. Anyone joining in will be able to use those FON hotspots across the world and all the new BT FON hotspots free of charge.

The revolutionary idea for a massive Wi-Fi community, built by individual people and not a large corporate enterprise, marks BT's boldest step yet in building extensive broadband coverage outside of the home or office.

Every person who agrees to share a small portion of their home broadband connection, by opening up a separate, secure channel on their wireless router, will be able to share the connection of any other member. BT Total Broadband customers will also be able to use BT's premium existing hotspot network BT Openzone, including 12 Wireless Cities.

BT FON aims to build a huge community Wi-Fi network, covering hundreds of thousands of hotspots, in a short space of time, under the slogan "Wi-Fi for everyone, I'm in". The secure open Wi-Fi solution was developed by FON and BT's research labs. BT has invested in FON as part of the tie-in, joining the company's other investors, which include Google.

The BT FON deal will accelerate and complement the work BT has already done with BT Openzone in order to provide the largest possible Wi-Fi coverage across the UK and the rest of the world.

Gavin Patterson, BT Group managing director, Consumer, said: "This is the start of something very exciting for BT. Today we are launching a people's network of Wi-Fi, which could one day cover every street in Britain.

"We are giving our millions of broadband customers a choice and an opportunity. If they are prepared to securely share a little of their broadband, they can share the broadband connections of 190,000 others without paying a penny.

"We have built a public Wi-Fi network and 12 Wireless Cities already, but today we are saying to customers, let's build a Wi-Fi community together, which covers everywhere and serves everyone."

Martin Varsavsky, FON's Founder and CEO, said of the strategic partnership, "BT is a fantastic addition to our roster of investors and highlights the on-going success of FON, the enormous support from ISPs and Telcos around the world and the strength of our vision to establish shared Wi-Fi access worldwide. From the beginning FON users believed in the concept of sharing and in the peoples' ability to participate in building something important that would benefit everyone. With BT FON, those beliefs have proved to be well-founded."

Truphone Demonstrates First VoIP-over-WiFi Call on iPhone

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:09:13 GMT

Truphone will give the first public demonstration of a Voice over Internet Protocol over Wi-Fi phone call on the Apple iPhone. Chief executive officer James Tagg will make the VoIP call in front of an audience of 350 delegates to DEMOfall 07 in San Diego, CA.

The company will also give a demonstration of an application that mashes up social networking site Facebook and traditional telephony. Any Facebook user will be able to click on a friend's Truphone 'Call Me' button, and a free phone call will be initiated to whichever phone their friend has chosen. This will mean free calls to real phones for everyone in the Facebook community.

Altogether, Truphone will today demonstrate:

VoIP on the Apple iPhone (SIP-SIP, SIP-Phone, Phone-SIP)
VoIP from Facebook (to SIP and to PSTN)
and, as an encore, Facebook-iPhone using SIP.

Key facts

iPhone demonstration

1. Many people have called for true VoIP calling on Apple's iPhone. Truphone will today prove that it is possible using the iPhone's in-built Wi-Fi capability.
2. Truphone's demonstration will comprise two iPhones connected to Wi-Fi on the DEMOfall 07 stage. A VoIP call will be initiated from one handset, routed via Wi-Fi and the Internet to Truphone's servers, and then back again to the access point and onwards to the destination handset - a 100% IP phone call.
3. Today's event will be a live demonstration only and is not a commercial launch of Truphone on the iPhone.
4. Truphone does not need to unlock the SIM in order to operate its service for the iPhone.

Facebook demonstration

1. The company will also give a demonstration today of an application that mashes up social networking site Facebook with traditional telephony. The big differentiator between Truphone's demonstration and other applications for Facebook is that Truphone is the only one to embed an actual phone into the very heart of Facebook.
2. Facebook users will be able to drop their Truphone 'Call Me' button onto their friends' Walls and also embed it into Facebook messages. People will be able to allow other people to call them, while keeping their actual number confidential.
3. The Truphone 'Call Me' button for Facebook to be demonstrated today showcases the potential for additional innovative services enabled by Truphone's all-IP internet telephony infrastructure.
4. Truphone's Facebook application is currently in development.

WiFiMobile on the Values of Developing a Mobile VoIP Client

VoIP Monitor — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:59:17 GMT

WiFiMobile highlights the benefits of having their own VoIP client rather than relying on Network Operators supplying handsets with the manufacturer’s client pre-installed. Back in April this year both Vodafone and Orange in the UK instructed a major handset manufacturer to disable the standard Internet Telephony from their top of the range model. This move left a sour taste for the vast majority of mobile VoIP operators as their software relies entirely on the standard VoIP client software stack being installed. Without this their service simply won’t function.

In June this year the OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform) announced that operators are entitled to remove or lock down VoIP applications on subsidised handsets for as long as the minimum contract period. Only after the contract period ends can users request VoIP functionality to be restored. This once again eliminates VoIP providers who rely on the pre installed client being present.

WiFiMobile’s oneFone is a self developed and wholly owned VoIP client, and is a stand alone application. oneFone offers full VoIP functionality even if the Network Operators remove the standard client.

The company’s US based developers are continually working on new features and benefits. Presence is fully supported where users can see who is online at any time. Call conferencing is next on the list with VCC (Voice Call Continuity) coming soon. This will enable seamless handover between Wi-Fi and GSM.

The software has features that are particularly important for the Enterprise market where select Nokia devices become pure extensions of a corporate IP PBX system.

CEO Gerry O’Prey says “Certain Network Operators are currently taking a stance against mobile VoIP as they have a right to do so. We have taken the decision to actually develop a solution without relying on other factors. Unlike other mobile VOIP service providers we own all the Intellectual property rights to our software”.

TCS Issued Patent for VoIP Wi-Fi E911 Calls

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:13:21 GMT

TeleCommunication Systems announces the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent number 7,260,186, titled, "Solutions For Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 911 Location Services." The patent enables updating the mid-call location of a VoIP 9-1-1 caller using a Wi-Fi hot spot. The invention allows VoIP Wi-Fi E9-1-1 calls to be routed to the correct Public Safety Answering Point while automatically providing the location of the caller at the time the call was established. The invention helps mobile VoIP calls to meet the current FCC mandate requiring that wireless operators provide E9-1-1 service.

"Providing E9-1-1 service to VoIP Wi-Fi calls is an essential service as cellular carriers and VoIP providers increasingly are providing nomadic and mobile VoIP service through dedicated and dual-mode devices," stated Drew Morin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TCS. "Hybrid VoIP/cellular service, often referred to as Fixed Mobile Convergence, is starting to be rolled out in North America, with operators such as T-Mobile initiating service this year."

ABOUT THE INVENTION

The "Solutions For Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 911 Location Services" patent provides a method and apparatus for providing mid-call updating of a location of a VoIP Wi-Fi terminal. The patent allows for a VoIP call to be established, requests a location update associated with the movement of a VoIP Wi-Fi device, and transmits the location information of the associated movement of the device. The location of the device can be automatically determined by the VoIP Wi-Fi device, or the updated information can be input by the user.

FON Aims to Sign Up One Million Member Hotspots in 2007

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:25:07 GMT

FON marked a milestone in the US market several months ago. Its agreement with Time Warner Cable permitting TWC subscribers to share bandwidth created a minor splash in the press and industry. A new insight published by Strategy Analytics, "Google-backed FON Aims to Sign Up One Million Member Hotspots in 2007," examines the deal and its possible implications.

"Since its early days, pay-as-you-go WiFi has been a tenuous business model at best," says Ben Piper, Director of the Strategy Analytics Broadband Network Strategies. "Few have made a compelling case for paying upwards of $8 simply to check email, download a presentation or surf." According to Piper, "While FON is poised to become a global player, the company will need to seriously ratchet up its marketing effort to succeed at this, and the financial backing of Google could prove invaluable in this respect."

David Mercer, Vice-President of the Strategy Analytics Digital Consumer Practice points out that "'Power to the People' movements are nothing new, and were it not for its high-profile financial backers, the FON story might have fallen under the radar. However, with upwards of $30 million in two rounds of funding from Skype, Google and Sequoia Capital, the story becomes more intriguing."

"FON's stated goal of surpassing one million hotspots in 2007 will be a key benchmark, and is a likely tipping point for gaining the traction it needs," according to Piper.

SIP-based Wi-Fi Phone to Deliver Inexpensive and Feature-rich VoIP Calls

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:06:43 GMT

EnGenius announces the launch of the SI-680H a SIP-based Wi-Fi phone. The EnGenius SI-680H phone will enable customers the ability to call anywhere in the world over the Internet via a wireless network connection.

This compact IP wireless device is designed for the roaming office worker and boasts an intuitive interface allowing users to quickly and easily configure the handset to access available wireless-b networks. It is designed to be easily installed on any WLAN network, allowing companies to quickly and cost-effectively deploy mobility to workers.

Features of the SI-680H include:

Support for SIP v2 standards
Compliance with IEEE 802.11b standards and WPA certified
Security WEP key (64/128 bits), WPA, 802.1x
Call forwarding, call transfer, call history
Enhanced power savings
Fast Hotspot Authentication
Weighing only 98g including battery
Clear colour LCD display

Equipping your workforce with VoIP Wi-Fi handsets will help you get the most out of your wireless local area network, with enhancements that drive better voice quality, faster installations, and simplified access to telephony functions and innovative applications.

“With Voice over IP technology making huge strides, its clearly emerging as the future of telephone communication,” comments Steve Mace of Solwise, “The compact EnGenius W-iFi phone will enable VOIP users to take the technology to a whole new level.”

The SI-680H is available immediately to buy, with a retail price of £103.21 including VAT from solwise.co.uk

Mobile VoIP Receives Boost Across Europe

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:32:57 GMT

Vyke has entered into an agreement that will give Vyke users access to VoIP calling services from any hotspot operated by The Cloud Networks Limited ("The Cloud"). Beginning this summer, all Vyke Mobile IP users will be able enjoy seamless mobile VoIP service from The Cloud hotspots in the United Kingdom and abroad. The Cloud's 9,000 WiFi enabled wireless internet hotspots provide comprehensive coverage in a variety of public venues and 16 high density metropolitan areas such as the City of London, Canary Wharf, Amsterdam and Manchester.

Vyke views The Cloud, with its operator independent business model, dominant position in Europe and its aggressive continuing build out plan, as a key partner for executing upon its stated mobile IP telephony strategy.

Jan Christian Berger, Executive Vice President of Sales for Vyke Communications plc, said "Combined with Vyke's mobile VoIP service, The Cloud's wireless network represents a shift in the mobile telecoms paradigm. Access to city wide WiFi zones means that Vyke users living or working in these areas will be able to access low cost mobile VoIP communication services at virtually any point during their day-to-day lives. The power behind our relationship with The Cloud will be evident as users in these areas realize that they always have a low cost alternative available."

Roald Sandén, Managing Director for The Cloud Nordics commented, "Mobile VoIP is driving development within the telecoms industry to the next level. We are pleased that The Cloud's network provides a key part of the mobile VoIP value chain and that we are in a position to provide support for the continued expansion of Vyke's mobile VoIP service offering."

Niche Emerging for Wi-Fi/Cellular Phones

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:44:20 GMT

A recent survey of U.S. early adopters by high-tech market researcher In-Stat found that almost half of those respondents planning to replace their cell phones want Wi-Fi capability. To meet the growing demand, there is an avalanche of dual-mode phones in the pipeline. By the end of this year, the Wi-Fi Alliance will have certified more than 100 different models of Wi-Fi/Cellular phones.

“In the years ahead, dual-mode VoIP-capable phone systems will have increasing competition from other technologies, like femtocells for cellular coverage, but widespread Wi-Fi deployment and the variety of Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets offers Wi-Fi/Cellular-based systems a significant head start in the market,” says Allen Nogee, In-Stat Principal Analyst. “Other technologies, such as WiMAX and Ultra Wideband, are also poised to enter the handset market, but Wi-Fi fills a unique niche that WiMAX and UWB cannot match.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

Phones supporting voice over Wi-Fi are limited in numbers today, but will exceed 100 models by year end.
VoIP will be big; the number of Wi-Fi/Cellular phones shipped incorporating some form of SIP voice support is forecasted to exceed 50 million by 2011.
Many of the issues with early Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets, such as limited battery life, will be resolved in models released during 2007.

The research, “Worldwide Demand for Wi-Fi/Cellular Combo Phones”, covers the market for dual-mode Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets. It includes a description of the players who make Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets a reality, a description and pictures of some recent model Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets, results of an In-Stat survey about the demand for Wi-Fi in cellular handsets, and worldwide Wi-Fi/Cellular forecasts through 2011. These topics paint a clear picture of the Wi-Fi/Cellular handset market and identify some of the challenges ahead for this market.

Boingo to Roam onto FON’s Wi-Fi Network

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:05:22 GMT

Boingo has signed a roaming agreement with FON that will provide access to an additional 130,000 hot spot locations – more than doubling the company’s network size.

The 130,000 Wi-Fi locations come from businesses and individuals who add their own hot spots to the FON community in exchange for the right to roam on other FON community locations for free or at a reduced rate. For Boingo users, these new locations provide a rich network of Wi-Fi locations in areas that complement Boingo’s existing commercial locations.

Access to the FON network will also benefit users of Boingo Mobile, the company’s service for Wi-Fi-enabled handsets. Boingo Mobile users pay $7.95 per month for unlimited access to hot spots worldwide to make VoIP calls, use messaging services or surf the Internet from their handset.

“Boingo users have counted on the Boingo Roaming System for great coverage at major business travel locations, and now have the same great coverage outside of those locations with the addition of the FON community locations,” said Luis Serrano, Boingo vice president of network strategy.

“FON is continuing to attract important partners as it executes its business plan and builds a unique collection of Wi-Fi locations around the globe,” said Joanna Rees, CEO of FON U.S. “Now, the benefits of the FON network are available to a new audience – business travelers – who get ubiquitous coverage along with Boingo’s ease of use benefits.”

FON hot spots are provided by community members (called Foneros) who share their unused bandwidth via a FON router in exchange for free Wi-Fi access when roaming through any other FON access point. FON recently signed a partnership with Time Warner Cable, to give their cable modem service subscribers the opportunity to be members of the FON community and enjoy free unlimited Wi-Fi access at any of FON's partner ISP Wi-Fi hotspots.

Boingo – The Best Network For Business Travelers

Boingo gives business travelers the best choice of Wi-Fi hot spots by combining tens of thousands of locations from more than 150 leading Wi-Fi operators into one worldwide network. Boingo users can connect to any of these locations with a single Boingo account using Boingo’s free Wi-Fi client software, which combines more than 660 network names into one “Boingo Wireless®” network and stores the user name and password to simplify identifying and connecting to commercial Wi-Fi networks.

The program provides partners with access to this network, customized client software, and a full suite of back-office billing, roaming, mediation and clearinghouse services to allow them to offer their own Wi-Fi service quickly and cost effectively. To date, the company has announced Platform Services partnerships with BT Infonet, EarthLink, Fiberlink, Nextel Communications, Verizon Business and Skype.

FON Partners Up with Time Warner Cable

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:21:01 GMT

FON announced a partnership with Time Warner Cable which allows Time Warner Cable broadband subscribers to access the world’s largest and fastest-growing WiFi network. The partnership specifically allows Time Warner Cable subscribers to become FON community members and create FON access points via their home or business broadband connection. Furthermore, the same subscribers would enjoy free WiFi access around the world, wherever FON has partner ISPs.

With nearly 60,000 FON community members in the U.S. alone, FON is the largest WiFi network in the United States. Hotspot providers are FON community members (called Foneros) who share their unused bandwidth via a FON router in exchange for free WiFi access when roaming through any other FON access point. Through this partnership, Time Warner Cable subscribers will have the opportunity to be members of the FON community and enjoy free unlimited WiFi access at any of FON’s partner ISP WiFi hotspots.

Time Warner Cable is an American cable television company that currently operates in 33 states, with 13.4 million basic cable subscribers and 6.6 million residential high-speed data subscribers. By partnering with FON, Time Warner Cable subscribers will benefit from being able to use next generation WiFi devices such as WiFi phones, game consoles and MP3 players, both inside and outside the home.

La Fonera router is secure out-of-the-box and offers two distinct WiFi channels. One channel is for the exclusive use of its owner; the second channel is shared with other Foneros. The La Fonera increases security through an encrypted private network and Foneros decide how much bandwidth to share. Public users cannot access the private network and there is no anonymous usage.

“We are pleased to welcome Time Warner Cable subscribers to the global FON community,” said Joanna Rees, CEO of FON U.S. “Success for FON depends on extending Internet access to our user bases outside the home or office without requiring individuals to rely on costly and problematic remote access solutions.”

Mobile VOIP Application for Nokia S60 Devices

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:01:21 GMT

WiFiMobile launches a Mobile VOIP service on the Nokia S60 handsets which enables users to make free calls to each other over Wi-Fi regardless of location. Mobile VOIP calls can also be made where no Wi-Fi connection is available by utilising a network operator data plan.

The WiFiMobile service is available at www.wifimobile.com. Using the basic service users can call other VOIP users completely for free. A premium service is also available that permits calls to be made to ordinary landlines or mobile phones at heavily discounted costs.

Calls can be made when the user is in a Wi-Fi zone. Alternatively WiFiMobile also enables VOIP calls to be made over a conventional GSM service by routing the call over an existing 3G data plan. In either of these situations VOIP calls will not eat up any bundled voice minutes.

Configuration is as easy as entering your existing mobile phone number and receiving a text – no need for manual configuration of complicated parameters.

An additional available feature that will be attractive to corporate users is that they can immediately use select Nokia S60 devices as an extension to their corporate IP PBX. This allows IT/Telecom Managers to carefully control their company’s continuously escalating mobile phone costs. IT Managers can re-program VOIP parameters for all of their employees’ mobiles at the touch of a button.

S60 built on Symbian OS is the world’s leading smartphone software, with more than 84 million devices in the market. Through its award winning user interface, extensive support for new mobile services and the innovation potential for partner solutions, S60 provides an open and scalable business opportunity for mobile operators and 3rd party developers.

For further information and news about the S60 and the S60 community, please visit www.s60.com.

Panasonic Wi-Fi Phone for use with Skype

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:32:02 GMT

Panasonic announces the availability of the Panasonic Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype, the world's fastest-growing Internet communications offering.

The KX-WP1050, an easy to install and use Wi-Fi Panasonic product, is one in a series of planned products that are Skype Certified. This new device uses Wi-Fi access to allow Skype users to make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, make inexpensive SkypeOut calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide, and receive SkypeIn calls from landlines and mobiles. With the included Wi-Fi base unit, the solution is simple to plug in and use, without using a PC.

"With the growing popularity of Skype and the mass availability of broadband in homes, offices and hotels, the KX-WP1050 will be a powerful communications tool for anyone who wants to take advantage of easily accessible and either free or inexpensive Internet calling," said Mike Timar, national marketing manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This exciting product will enable greater flexibility in communications for both home and business users."

First and foremost, this product frees Skype users from their PCs, allowing the enjoyment of Internet calling in the home, office or other open Internet access points. Freedom from the PC helps to avoid missing calls from friends and family. The addition of the travel router makes it easy to take the Wi-Fi phone on the road. For example, business travelers can set up a Wi- Fi hotspot in their hotel room, as long as there is an available broadband Internet connection.

Skype-to-Skype calls will always be free. When combined with the new Skype Unlimited calling plan available in the United States and Canada, which allows unlimited calling to landline and mobile phone numbers in these two countries for just $29.95 for one year, the KX-WP1050 can significantly reduce everyday communication costs.

While the complexity of wireless network settings can make this type of product inaccessible to many users, Panasonic has improved the user experience by providing a complete kit, which can be set up and used by virtually anyone, even with little or no computer expertise. The included travel router takes the complexity out of setting up the Wi-Fi access point, and guarantees a secure wireless connection with automatic 256-bit AES encryption setup (WPA). The included leather travel case makes the entire kit easy to carry. The travel router can be plugged into a home, hotel or office network allowing the user to enjoy wireless access from a laptop and the Wi-Fi phone simultaneously with no complicated set up. The unit complies with safety and communications standards for the countries Americans visit most (Canada, England, France, Germany and Japan). The AC adapter is compatible with all voltages from 100V to 240V, so it can be used by simply attaching the AC plug (sold separately) for that country.

This new model offers the range and security of WPA encrypted Wi-Fi technology, as well as Quality of Service (QoS) to improve voice quality. It features easy menu-driven operation, and a loud handset speakerphone, as well as a built-in headset jack for those long international calls. At just 0.62" thick and weighing less than 4 ounces, the phone is convenient and easy to carry. The 730mAh Lithium-ion battery can provide up to a 55 hours standby time, and 4.5 hours talk time, and can be charged with the included travel router, or from a USB connection on a PC.

Skype features accessible by this phone include:

Free Skype-to-Skype calling - with Skype, you can talk to any of the more than 171 million registered Skype users over the Internet for free.
Online Presence - see at a glance which of your Skype contacts is available for a chat, and allow others to see your status as well.
SkypeOut - an inexpensive way to call from Skype to traditional landlines or mobiles.
SkypeIn - a premium Skype product which provides a number people can call that users answer in Skype.
Skype Voicemail - takes your calls when you're busy or offline.
Skype Call Forwarding - can be set right from the Panasonic phone.
Skype Conference Calls - the Panasonic KX-WP1050 can be added to Skype conference calls.

The KX-WP1050 Panasonic Wi-Fi Phone joins the growing family of Panasonic Voice over IP (VoIP) products, including the recently launched Panasonic KX- TGA575S. The KX-TGA575S USB adaptor is an optional accessory for Panasonic 5.8GHz Digital Expandable Cordless Systems KX-TG5761S, KX-TG5771S, and KX- TG5776S. Using the adaptor with these systems means the user doesn't have to be in front of a computer. The user's Skype contacts and call log are available on any of the cordless handsets in the system.

The KX-WP1050 is available at the Panasonic online store and other internet retailers with a $399 MSRP. It will also be available in the Skype U.S. Web store at skype.com/shop. Go to http://panasonic.co.jp/pcc/products/en/wifiphone/.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories. Similarly to Skype running on your PC, Skype in the Wi-Fi phone is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Comtrend Debuts CT-6382T Integrated Access Device

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:01:16 GMT

Comtrend, announces an all-in-one IAD (Integrated Access Device) for home or office use that brings unparalleled convenience and performance to digital communications. The new CT-6382T IAD offers WiFi-compatible WLAN Internet access, VoIP local/long distance phone calling with conventional PSTN phone backup, cordless phone connectivity using DECT technology and much more—all delivered via high-speed ADSL2+ standards over a standard phone line.

For the service provider, the CT-6382T provides exceptional deployment and management support. The device is TR-68 compliant, making it possible for end users to easily install and configure the unit themselves. The CT-6382T is also TR-69 compliant for simple remote management and configuration by the service provider.

“The CT-6382T offers a level of simplicity, power and convenience that is unique to residential gateways,” said Andrew Morton, Comtrend’s general manager. “Not only does the unit support Triple Play and home networking with Ethernet/WiFi 802.11g, but also its built-in VoIP capability is compatible with the leading VoIP softswitches on the market. Thanks to the FXO (Foreign eXchange Office) function, users are still able to make phone calls over the PSTN in the event they lose their broadband service. By combining all these capabilities in one compact unit, service providers can save on deployment costs and avoid dealing with multiple devices or confusing cabling.”

Cordless Handset Support

The CT-6382T’s combination of telecommunications features makes it easy for consumers to keep their current habits while taking advantage of VoIP services. All they do is pick up the phone, dial the number, and the CT-6382T establishes the VoIP connection. Two corded phones can also be connected to the unit as well, via physical FXS (Foreign eXchange Station) ports on the back.

Adding exceptional utility to the CT-6382T is its integrated DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology, allowing cordless phones to make a VoIP connection without interfering with the 802.11g wireless network. The DECT feature, currently available in CT-6382T models sold in Europe (a U.S. version will be available shortly), eliminates the need for a cordless phone base station.

The CT-6382T offers important call features such as emergency calling, caller ID/restriction, call hold/call waiting/call forwarding, three-way conferencing, and direct number dialing. It supports full QoS features and port based VLANs for full support of voice, video and data services.

Ethernet, Wireless Connections

For IPTV and data, up to four direct Internet connections can be made via Ethernet cable; ADSL2+ standards allows for connectivity speeds up to 24Mbps. In addition to 802.11g networking, the CT-6382T is backward compatible with the 802.11b wireless standard. The unit supports 64- and 128-bit WEP data encryption over the WLAN, VPN pass-through, and has a daytime parental control feature.

Comtrend’s CT-6382T is a feature-rich, Triple Play residential gateway that gives service providers a competitive edge in the VoIP market, while still delivering IPTV and data/home networking. The product is marketed through a worldwide network of sales offices and distributors. For more information about the Comtrend CT-6382T IAD for residential or business use, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.comtrend.com.

Skype and Google Users Get Free Mobile Calls

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 09:05:59 GMT

Free mobile calls platform barablu is giving Skype and Google Talk users the chance to make free calls from a mobile.

barablu has perfected the technology enabling contacts from Skype and Google Talk to be transferred to a Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone.

This breakthrough means users of Skype and Google Talk can utilise the barablu service and call anyone from their contacts list without being tied to their PC. They not only gain free calls, but free texts and voice mail.

Free phone calls using the Internet is rapidly attracting a growing number of converts. This demand has up to now been driven by the likes of Skype and there are 171 million registered users worldwide. barablu takes the development into the next generation.

With barablu they not only gain free calls, but free texts and voice mail from a Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone.

"Skype and Google Talk are fantastic communication platforms but are limited but they are not available on Nokia handsets, which have 36 per cent of market share. They can now be independent of their PCs. This is a very exciting development," said Marcus O'Reilly, Chief Marketing Officer of barablu.

"barablu's service is not only useful for people with Wi-Fi enabled phones who want to talk to each other for free. We also have features for people and businesses looking to save money when calling traditional landline or mobile numbers providers with barablu Out. "

The service is available through a free download from the barablu website. The software is sent to the mobile phone via SMS and automatically configures onto the phone in a simple operation which takes less than a minute.

Details of barablu's new services have been revealed at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona (February 12-15).

"This is the future of telephony. Everything is going to be wireless and barablu will be at the forefront of this development," added Marius O'Reilly.

Truphone Supports Three Newly-Announced Nokia Handsets

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:50:10 GMT

Truphone confirmes that its mobile VoIP service is supported on three new Nokia handsets: the Wi-Fi-equipped Nokia E61i, Nokia E65 and Nokia E90 models.

Truphone enables Wi-Fi-equipped mobile phones to make internet-rate phone calls (VoIP calls) over Wi-Fi connections. When the handset is not in Wi-Fi range it reverts from being a 'Truphone' to being a normal mobile handset, so people need only one device.

"The new Nokia E61i, Nokia E65 and Nokia E90 phones will be very popular and Truphone works on them from day one," said James Tagg, CEO of Truphone. "With other manufacturers also starting to put Wi-Fi on handsets, 2007 is the year that mobile meets the Internet - and that means Truphone VoIP," he added.

The Truphone client software has completed the Symbian signing process and is available for all new and existing Nokia Wi-Fi VoIP handsets.

Last week Truphone revealed interoperability with Google Talk, announcing that Google Talk users can connect with Truphone mobile handsets anywhere in the world for free. Calls between Google Talk and Truphone are free because they are pure VoIP calls and take place entirely over the internet.

Truphone is free to download and there are no monthly subscriptions or hidden charges. Truphone-to-Truphone calls and Truphone-to-Google Talk calls are always free; other calls are charged at characteristically low internet rates. Until the end of March 2007, calls from the UK to landlines in more than 40 countries are free, while USA customers can call across the USA and Canada for free.

Truphone announced its beta software for earlier Wi-Fi-enabled Nokia mobile handsets in September 2006. It is already available on the Nokia E60, Nokia E61, Nokia E70 and Nokia N80 Internet Edition handsets. Truphone for other devices will follow soon.

Truphone Signs Roaming Agreement

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:07:15 GMT

Users of Truphone's low-cost mobile VoIP service can now make and receive internet phone calls on their mobiles from more than 700 additional Wi-Fi hotspots in popular locations across 14 countries in Europe, following an agreement between Truphone and free-hotspot.com.

This latest roaming agreement extends Truphone users' access to public Wi-Fi. The company expects to conclude further roaming agreements throughout 2007, creating an ever-bigger network of hotspots where log-on is automatic for Truphone users.

As a special launch offer, access to free-hotspot.com's Wi-Fi network will be 100% free to Truphone users, with calls charged at Truphone's characteristically low VoIP call rates. From May 15th, calls will be billed at just 3p/minute above these rates.

"This agreement makes Truphone mobile VoIP more accessible than ever," said Chris Isaacs, business development director at Truphone. "We've made it very simple for users and the project was quick to implement technically."

"Mobile VoIP users want seamless connectivity as they move outside of their home networks," commented Brandon Meyers, vice president of marketing at free-hotspot.com. "We're happy to provide this by allowing Truphone users to seamlessly access our network as they move throughout Europe. Moreover, we are excited to provide our users with a great low cost VoIP calling option. This partnership truly benefits everyone," he added.

Truphone is free software that enables Wi-Fi-equipped Nokia mobile phones to make low cost calls over the internet. When the handset is not in Wi-Fi range, normal phone calls can still be made using the traditional cellular network, meaning that customers need to own only one device.

Currently, Truphone is available for Nokia's E60, E61, E70 and N80 Internet Edition mobiles. Users get Truphone simply by SMS texting the word 'TRU' to +44-7624-000-000 or by visiting the Truphone web site (www.truphone.com).

Truphone for other handsets including Windows Mobile devices will follow soon. Owners of other Wi-Fi-equipped mobiles can register to receive an email when Truphone is available for their phone.

Visit the hotspot locator to find free-hotspot.com's nearest free Wi-Fi access hotspot.

Free Calls From Mobiles by barablu

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:31:09 GMT

barablu's easy to use service expands VoIP beyond the PC and promises to benefit millions who use the mobile as their preferred choice of communication.

barablu has achieved advances which gives users not just free calls via a mobile but also -

Free text message
Free voice mail

Free phone calls using the Internet is attracting a growing number of converts daily and this demand has up to now been driven by the likes of Skype but barablu takes the development into next generation.

Details of the company's global expansion have been revealed at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona (February 12-15).

The service is available through a free download from the barablu website. The software is sent to the mobile phone via SMS and automatically configures onto the phone in a simple operation which takes less than a minute.

"Over 300,000 people a day are downloading VoIP software on the Internet to get free calls through their PC. With barablu users are no longer tied to their PC but have the freedom to use their mobile for free calls, texts and voice mail," said Marius O'Reilly, Chief Marketing Officer. .

"barablu's service is not only useful for people with Wi-Fi enabled phones who want to talk to each other for free. We also have features for people and businesses looking to save money when calling traditional landline or mobile numbers providers with barablu Out. This is a very exciting development as people currently struggle to get cheap calls from their mobile."

The growing number of Wi-Fi hot spots in homes, offices, railway stations, airports, cafes and city centres will make using barablu part of everyday life.

Free calls using a mobile are no longer a dream but a reality.

Cellular WiFi VoIP in China

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:17:53 GMT

Jinan Yinquan Technology – a wholly owned subsidiary of China VoIP and Digital Telecom introduced to cellular subscribers the added ability to make calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), connecting via any available wireless fidelity (WiFi) network.

The new service will mean subscribers can save money on long distance calls using VoIP. In addition, callers using the WiFI/VoIP service will not pay roaming charges outside their home area.

“Our WiFi/VoIP cell phone supports dual SIM cards,” said Li Kunwu, President and CEO of China VoIP & Digital Telecom Inc. “One is for the VoIP number, the other is for the common GSM/CDMA cell phone network.”

In addition to savings on roaming fees, Mr. Li added, “Calls between WiFi/VoIP cell phones are free of charge. So users may save up to 80 percent on their long distance call fees while enjoying the same mobility and portability convenience of regular cell phones.”

WiFi is a short distance wireless networking technology often used in offices, cafes and homes. Its most common use is for connecting laptop computers to the Internet. VoIP is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network. The WiFi/VoIP cell phone has a wide range of applications for business and personal use.

The new service will launch in April in Shandong Province. It leverages Jinan Yinquan’s proprietary NP Soft Switch IP telephone system. Jinan will introduce the new service first to select enterprises and government organizations. In addition, as WiFi networks expand in China, Jinan expects to roll out its WiFi/VoIP service to the rest of the country.

Jinan Yinquan currently services three provinces and 19 cities with Shandong Province its primary base of operations. Plans call for expansion throughout China.

“We want every Jinan Yinquan VoIP subscriber to understand that we will continually be adding new state-of-the-art products and services,” said Mr. Li. “Once someone becomes a subscriber, they will never need to seek out another telephone provider. Jinan Yinquan will be their one stop for all of their telecom needs, whether for business or personal use.”

Jinan Yinquan recently announced a new electronic fax system for enterprise business customers in partnership with China Tie Tong. Available across Shandong Province, the electronic fax service is an Internet-based fax solution that will enable enterprise businesses to send and receive faxes using existing email accounts. Unlike traditional faxing, electronic faxing is convenient, cost-effective, secure, integrated and automated.

China Tie Tong is one of the six largest basic telecom operators in China. The company, which has 31 provincial branches and 316 municipal branches, employs approximately 72,000 people. Its high-speed backbone optical transmission network consists of five fiber loops covering most of the cities in China’s 31 provinces and a distance of 52,000 kilometers. From 2001 to 2005 annual revenues have grown by 30 percent while fixed-line subscribers increased from 1.35 million to 16.4 million. By the end of 2005 the company had 2 million Internet subscribers and assets of 53.3 billion RMB. (For more information please visit www.chinatietong.com)

Wi-Fi Telephony With NetLink Softphone

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:59:05 GMT

SpectraLink has extended its Wi-Fi telephony capabilities to third-party mobile devices by introducing the NetLink Softphone application. The NetLink SP application allows voice-enabled mobile devices to function as full-featured business telephones integrated with an enterprise telephone system. NetLink SP operates as a thin client, offering optimized performance both over the wireless LAN and on the handheld device.

NetLink SP is a simple, easy-to-use mobile application that runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 and PocketPC operating systems. It works in conjunction with SpectraLink's NetLink Telephony Gateway using SpectraLink Radio Protocol, a lightweight protocol developed specifically to provide optimal performance and voice quality over converged wireless networks. The NetLink Telephony Gateway's unique digital interface technology makes it possible to extend the advanced features and functions of a company's telephone switch, such as call transfer, conferencing and voicemail integration, to the end-user device. The NetLink SP softphone also supports text messaging through SpectraLink's Open Application Interface, integrating with applications such as customer service call boxes and inventory management systems.

"An increasing range of enterprise-grade devices support voice over Wi-Fi, as well as third-party software applications. However, integrating these products with companies' existing telecoms infrastructure is not a trivial task -- it requires specialist VoWLAN handset skills to manage QoS, and a deep understanding of corporate voice platforms to enable a good user experience," said Dean Bubley of Disruptive Analysis. "SpectraLink has considerable expertise in both these areas, and so its soft client strategy fits well with recent trends in handheld technology."

"We are continuing to deliver on the promise of enterprise wireless telephony with the NetLink SP application," said John Elms, SpectraLink president and CEO. "We're giving customers more choice in the devices they deploy to make their mobile employees more responsive and productive while leveraging their telephone and Wi-Fi network investments."

The NetLink SP application is initially targeted at retail enterprises with support for Symbol Technologies' MC50 and MC70 devices, although additional devices are expected to be supported with future releases. The NetLink Telephony Gateway provides analog and digital telephone station integration with most traditional circuit-switched enterprise PBX systems, and supports both NetLink Wireless Telephones and third-party devices utilizing the NetLink SP application.

Availability & Pricing

The NetLink SP application is available in the first quarter of 2007 with pricing based on an enterprise-wide licensing agreement.

EarthLink Offers Free Wi-Fi Ring in Philadelphia

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:46:43 GMT

EarthLink is in the spirit of giving! Today, the ISP is kicking off a service that will give Philadelphia residents, workers and visitors an opportunity to try on its EarthLink Wi-Fi product free-of-charge through January 21, 2007.

Available to consumers who live, work or visit EarthLink's 15-square-mile proof-of-concept (POC) area, which extends east of Broad Street and north of the Vine Street Expressway (http://www.emnwifi.net/cities/philadelphia/), EarthLink Wi-Fi offers down-and-upload speeds up to 1Mbps.

"Our goal is clear: build a state-of-the-art wireless network across Philadelphia's 135 square miles. A key to doing this is gathering valuable feedback and insights from users of the network as construction continues," said Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit. "Further, we are happy to launch this service at this time, and hope residents and visitors enjoy Wi-Fi access, free-of-charge."

"As we continue to work with EarthLink to build a Wi-Fi network across the entire City of Philadelphia, feedback from our residents, workers and visitors is key. So, why not let them try the network out?" said Greg Goldman, CEO, Wireless Philadelphia. "We are happy that EarthLink has launched this free service and look forward to the valuable feedback that Philadelphians will provide."

Accessing the Free Service

To connect to EarthLink's Wi-Fi network for free, customers must use their wireless-enabled computer to detect the network and select "FeatherByEarthLink." Consumers will then complete a few short steps and be connected to the Internet. For customers who have already purchased EarthLink's monthly service, EarthLink will proactively give a credit for this free trial period.

During the promotion and beyond, consumers within the POC area can still sign up for EarthLink Wi-Fi for $21.95 a month with the products and support they have come to expect from EarthLink, including eight mailboxes and the ISP's powerful protection tools, such as spamBlocker and the EarthLink Protection Control Center . Qualifying customers also receive a Wi-Fi modem, which greatly increases the signal strength.

Free Doesn't Go Completely Away

EarthLink's free Wi-Fi promotion will end on January 21, 2007; however, free Wi-Fi in Philadelphia won't go completely away. EarthLink will continue to offer free Wi-Fi access to Philadelphia residents and visitors in designated free access areas, including Norris Square, Olney, Love Park and the Historic District.

Other Ongoing Services on the Network

In addition to signing up for EarthLink's monthly subscription product, EarthLink Wi-Fi, consumers can buy access at competitive prices in one-day, one-hour or three-day increments once the free trial is complete. Customers can also sign up for a monthly subscription from EarthLink's wholesale partners - People PC (www.peoplepc.com) and Pennsylvania Online (www.paonline.com).

The Technology

Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity. It enables a person to connect his or her Wi-Fi-enabled computer to the Internet, without a traditional 'wired' connection.

EarthLink has deployed Tropos Networks' (http://www.tropos.com) MetroMesh Wi-Fi routers on light poles throughout the 15 square-mile POC area that enable reliable wireless data connectivity between users and the Internet. The Tropos system forms a wireless mesh, intelligently routing data to produce the best possible user experience. The network is operated and optimized using Tropos Control and Tropos Insight, a suite of end-to-end configuration, monitoring and maintenance tools. In addition, EarthLink has deployed Motorola's MOTOwi4 portfolio of products, including its Canopy high- speed backhaul and Wi-Fi mesh network equipment.

For more information on EarthLink Wi-Fi, please go to: http://www.earthlink.net/wifi.

For more information on EarthLink's Municipal Networks business unit, please go to: http://www.earthlink.net/muni.

Vonage to Resell Wireless Internet Services from Earthlink

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 06:51:54 GMT

Vonage has reportedly reached a deal with Earthlink today to resell wireless internet services in cities like New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Milpitas, California where Earthlink has Wi-Fi networks.

Vonage will bundle the internet service with their VoIP offering and support a “next generation Vonage Wi-Fi phone,” according to the press release. This deal might seem detrimental to EarthLink’s own VoIP service. However, an EarthLink executive said Sunday night that it’s “part of the company’s DNA” to sell wholesale network services to any provider who wants access, and to compete on price, support and services at the application layer.

SpectraLink's Next Generation Wi-Fi Telephones

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:38:25 GMT

SpectraLink announces its next-generation Wi-Fi telephony handsets, the NetLink 8000 Series Wireless Telephones. The new NetLink 8000 Series handsets are the first commercially available enterprise-grade handsets to support the IEEE 802.11a, b and g radio standards, allowing businesses to choose the most appropriate Wi-Fi implementation for application segmentation, interference mitigation and user density.

The NetLink 8000 Series Wireless Telephones enhance SpectraLink's market-leading Wi-Fi telephony platform with the industry's longest talk times and added durability and resilience for improved reliability in all types of enterprise environments. Additional enhancements include a slim, lightweight design and a larger display screen. Two models are available: the basic NetLink 8020 Wireless Telephone, and the enhanced NetLink 8030 Wireless Telephone supporting SpectraLink's exclusive integrated push-to-talk (PTT) capabilities, now enhanced with 24 PTT channels plus a unique priority channel for emergency broadcast applications.

"I expect that over time VoFi (voice over IP over Wi-Fi) phones will become the norm in most enterprises, replacing traditional desktop wired phones," said Craig Mathias, a Principal with the mobile and wireless advisory firm Farpoint Group (Ashland, Mass.). "The NetLink 8000 Series is a very positive step in this direction, and I'm especially enthusiastic about the inclusion of .11a and .11g, which will significantly enhance capacity."

"SpectraLink has led the Wi-Fi telephony market since 1999, and we continue to be the leading innovator in this industry," said John Elms, SpectraLink president and CEO. "We strive to meet our customers' demand for enterprise-grade functions and quality, and their interoperability requirements for leveraging their wireless and voice networks. The NetLink 8000 Series handsets offer customers even more choice when it comes to deploying wireless communications in the workplace."

The NetLink 8000 Series Wireless Telephones continue SpectraLink's legacy of designing handsets and accessories to meet the rigors of workplace applications. Weighing less than four ounces (depending on handset model and Battery Pack), the NetLink 8000 Series handsets are light yet robust. Key features and capabilities include:

A simple user interface with four-way navigation and four softkeys to facilitate access to business telephone features and minimize user training.
Integrated speakerphone for hands-free and wireless conferencing applications.
Four-, six- and eight-hour talk-time interchangeable Battery Packs to support the most demanding enterprise usage requirements, along with desktop and standalone four-position charging options.
Support for SpectraLink's Open Application Interface (OAI), allowing two-way text messaging support for a wide array of enterprise applications such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, environmental controls, security and alarm systems, nurse call systems, and database access.
Compliance with MIL STD 810F standard for shock and vibration and the IP 53 standard for liquid and dust resistance.
Compatibility with enterprise-grade Wi-Fi networks with interoperability and performance guaranteed through SpectraLink's Voice Interoperability for Enterprise Wireless (VIEW) Certification Program.
Excellent voice quality on converged Wi-Fi networks utilizing SpectraLink Voice Priority (SVP) or Wireless Multimedia (WMM) (depending on Wi-Fi infrastructure support).
Secure, private conversations using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2).

The NetLink 8000 Series Wireless Telephones offer all the benefits of traditional NetLink handsets while offering improved capacity, durability and usability.

Availability & Pricing

SpectraLink NetLink 8000 Series Wireless Telephones will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2007. List price for the NetLink 8020 Wireless Telephone is $595, while the PTT-enabled NetLink 8030 Wireless Telephone is priced at $675.

Buzz Technologies gets Thai Military Contract

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 22:56:42 GMT

Buzz Technologies is pleased to announce it has successfully won a contract with the Thai Military to supply and install Wifi and Wimax systems to the Thai Military Lanna Center, Chiang Mai, Army Unit 33, The Third Army Region. The agreement is a part of an extensive program to test various Buzz Technologies products and services.

Sutida Suwunnavid said "we are all delighted to have the Royal Thai Military as a client and look to develop this and other Government Contracts in the future."

Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype Uses Boingo

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 21:37:53 GMT

Boingo Wireless, announced that the Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype is the first Wi-Fi device to ship with the Boingo Embedded Wi-Fi Toolkit, an open-source software utility that enables Wi-Fi devices to roam on commercial hot spots.

The Boingo Embedded software provides background detection, association and authentication of public Wi-Fi signals automatically, making it easy for consumers to roam onto commercial hot spots and eliminating the need to enter user ID or credit card information for each hot spot they use.

The Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype incorporates familiar Skype features and can be used with either open wireless networks or commercial hot spots that are part of the Boingo Mobile service. The phone also supports WPA and WPA2 with PSK security and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network compatibility.

“We believe that adding Boingo’s roaming functionality to our Wi-Fi phone is a market differentiator,” said Chris Andrews, Business Unit Manager, at Belkin. “The ability to leverage the Boingo Embedded Wi-Fi Toolkit’s free open source code enables us to create a product with a compelling set of features without onerous licensing agreements or fees.”

“Belkin is pioneering the first wave of portable devices that can be significantly enhanced by Wi-Fi roaming capabilities,” said Jonathan Mendelson, Boingo director of handset strategy. “We expect that VoIP phones will be followed by Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones and other devices that can make use of Wi-Fi bandwidth for applications ranging from text messaging to streaming video, multi-player gaming and others.”

The Boingo Embedded Toolkit is an open source solution that runs on BREW, Linux, Windows Mobile 2003 and Windows Mobile 5 versions, with support for other operating systems coming in 2007. It is designed for service providers, OEMs, ODMs, and chipset manufacturers that develop Wi-Fi equipped devices and want to enable global roaming on commercial hot spot networks. It is also available as licensed software. More information is available at www.boingo.com/embedded.

The Boingo Mobile service provides unlimited Internet access to users of Wi-Fi enabled devices that have been integrated with the Boingo Embedded Wi-Fi Toolkit. Users of those devices can access the Internet in tens of thousands of hot spots in 60 countries around the world. More information about the service is available at http://mobile.boingo.com. The service is currently only available on Belkin devices at a cost of $7.95 per month for unlimited access