Wireless

Feb 16, 2007 - Mobile Info >>>

VoIP for Cell Phones on the Horizon - PCWorld.com reports that Avi Shechter, co-founder and CEO of Fringland Ltd. (Fring), could be on to something big with the launch of a cheap Internet-based phone service that runs over mobile networks.

The service is essentially a peer-to-peer VoIP service (think Skype) that uses cell networks rather than WiFi or broadband Ip connections.

To make it work you must have a Nokia Series 60 3rd edition phone and download the 200kb Fring application to your handset. Fring expects the application to soon run on other phones and operating systems such as Windows Mobile.

The application will connect with Skype, Google Talk and MSN Messenger. Just as with Skype, once a contact is added to your contact list you will be able to see when your contacts are online and then communicate directly with them.

Billing from your cell provider will be based on your data plan, rather than your voice plan. If Fring callers want to access the public telephone system they can do so using Skype out. That carries an additional charge, but making international calls with your cell phone will be considerably cheaper than using typical cell networks.

Because of the potential loss of lucrative voice business cell phone networks are likely to resist this move. T-Mobile International AG & Co. KG, have banned the use of VOIP applications on their networks, and other networks are considering doing the same.