Mobile VoIP makes its debut in Britain
Following the example of eBay’s Skype, along with Jajah, MINO, RebTel, Switch-Mobile, and MobileSphere, three new services have just launched in the U.K. this week to enable the consumers mobile access to VoIP networks: Rok Viper, AQL for Nokia E series phones, and Mobiboo.
Rok Entertainment has decided to offer completely free calls—from mobile phone to mobile phone—using VoIP technology and the calls will be totally free if both parties are using Viper software. Calls to existing PSTN (public switched telephone network) landlines may be made available for a few pence per minute.
Initially, however, Viper will run on a few selected Nokia phones, including the popular N70. Instead of using a Wi-Fi connection to link the phone to a broadband Internet connection, Viper uses the far
more readily available Bluetooth technology.
Unlike other VoIP services aimed at mobile phone users, there’s no need for Viper customers to subscribe to any pre-paid account or multi-service bundle, nor to key in prefix access codes to use the service.The Viper software will be available on the Rok Viper web site starting Wednesday.
AQL plans to test its VoIP telephony service with the owners of Nokia E series phones by Monday.
Dr. Adam Beaumont, AQL’s managing director, says, “The free offer is simply intended to prove that Wi-Fi VoIP calling can deliver an excellent mobile service, with the ability to run alongside GSM for whenever callers are standing outside of a wireless hot spot.” Dr. Beaumont didn’t say how long the free trial will last. Unlike Viper, with AQL, users will be able to call anybody on any existing VoIP service, not just AQL’s own network.
Mobiboo said Monday it will be supplying Wi-Fi mobile phones that connect users to VoIP networks via a suitable access point or hot spot service. Mobiboo will be selling a suitable Wi-Fi router—again made by UTStarcom—for those who want to use the Wi-Fi phone around the home.