WiFi Phone plus Free WiFi Connection
Equals Problems for Cell Companies
WiFi phone technology is set to become ubiquitous. Sales of WiFi enabled phones are booming. According to one estimate, they are increasing at over 60 percent per annum. Voice over WiFi is about to become the next big thing in business phone technology.
WiFi Telephony - what's behind the trend?
1. Cost savings: Voice over WiFi and VoIP are natural collaborators in slashing the size of telephone bills. The basic ingredients of the recipe are:
With these elements in place a small business or home user can immediately start making cheap or even free telephone calls.
As a bonus the use of wireless technology eliminates all or most of the costs associated with wiring and cabling premises.
2. Mobility: WiFi enabled phones look almost identical to regular phones and provide very similar features. They permit users to make and receive calls up to 300 metres from a base station. By eliminating the necessity to be tethered to a fixed location they provide a level of convenience very similar to a cell phone.
3. VoIP: as noted above, WiFi phones and VoIP business solutions are complimentary technologies. As voice over Internet becomes ubiquitous it is inevitable that WiFi telephony will follow just a few foot steps behind with the promise of "mobile VoIP."
4. Simplicity: WiFi technology has been used in homes and offices for years. We have become familiar with connecting and using WiFi connected laptops, PDAs, smartphones and cell phones.
5. Standards: The WiFi Alliance has done an exceptional job building confidence in the technology. The "WiFi" brand is seldom if ever associated with risk. It is a trusted because it is dependable and relevant to current and future communication requirements.
WiFi Phones - the options
Nearly 200 different handsets have now been accredited by the WiFi alliance as Wi-Fi Certified Voice-Personal. We now have options ranging from dedicated Skype WiFi phones through to dual-mode options including Blackberry, Palm and Nokia smartphones.
The Future
The density of hotspots will undoubtedly increase as the population of WiFi enabled devices explodes over the next few years. As this happens the demand for WiFi roaming capabilities will also increase. Fortunately roaming is the next big thing that will be supported by voice over WiFi in the form of 80211r.
Technology that supports the smooth handover of calls between WiFi and cell phone networks is already available, but it needs refinement. Once the cell phone carriers figure out how they can secure a revenue stream from this collaboration we will no doubt have the opportunity to sign up.
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