Mobile VoIP Phones

Mobile VoIP phones are known as VoWiFi.  VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.  VoIP is the technology of sending audio as data packets over the Internet.  Wi Fi stands for wireless fidelity.  This is the technology used to create wireless networks.  VoWiFi stands for Voice over Wireless Fidelity.  It is the combination of using wireless VoIP networks to communicate on VoWiFi enabled telephones.  Wireless devices include laptops, PDAs, and wireless mobile phones.  Wireless VoIP phones connect to an Internet connection through various access points or hotspots.  The phones operate on radio signals and when they are in the vicinity of the network’s access points, they will pick up the signal, access the Internet, and log on.

Because of a lack of overall security with many wireless networks, VoWiFi still has a ways to go before it is convincing people in droves to sign up for its services.  In fact, it is frequently known that when someone is using a wireless network, they can easily jump on another Internet network connection simply by visiting another “hotspot”.  Before VoWiFi can really become a serious challenge to cellular phone users, the issue of security not only needs to be addressed, but it will also need to be corrected.  There are other issues that also need to be addressed. For instance, since a hotspot only has a length of 90 Meters before losing connection, many users do not see VoWiFi immediately replacing their cellular carriers.   

Yet, many users are finding it productive to carry Hybrid phones.  These phones are both dual VoWiFi and cellular.  By using a Hybrid phone, users can take advantage of their cellular phone service, and then they can easily jump onto a network using their VoWiFi and the applicable hotspot, and save fees on roaming charges.  For example, a user may be speaking on their cellular phone, then if they get in their car and drive out of the range provided by their telephone provider, they would be charged roaming fees.  If however, they can find an access point, they can jump onto a Wireless Network and avoid roaming fees altogether.  Currently, there are no taxes or roaming charges associated with any of VoIP services. 

There will be many more advances in the future for VoWiFi. There are already many companies embracing VoWiFi, and other companies are addressing the needs for more stringent wireless security. For example, there are higher security networks in place now, that will decrease the chance of others tapping into your access points.  For many wireless users, this has been the preferred method of wireless access. 

As it is now, a VoWiFi phone is still more expensive than a standard cellular phone, but as the technology advances, price will most likely go down.  Everyone is embracing the ability to integrate video, data, audio, and web browsing capabilities with their phones.  VoWiFi also integrates wireless VoIP networking to the package.  Since this method is extremely cost efficient as well as beneficial, there is no reason to suspect that this service will decrease in the future.  

As with the future of all VoIP products and services, the FCC and US government is racing to provide rules and regulations.  It truly is a technology that is on the cutting edge of innovation.  In the past, all of the nation’s telephony needs were Circuit Switched and based on the PSTN network.  Today however, VoIP is rewriting the rules of telecommunications.  And just when it seems that cellular phone services have worked out all of their issues, along comes mobile VoIP with a whole new set of problems.  Besides security issues, there are other problems besetting VoWiFi, such as weak batteries, the inability to sustain a connection outside of a hotspot or 90 meter range, and the cost of a VoWiFi phone is still expensive.  Yet the idea of integrating video, digital cameras, web cams, Email, web based applications, and mobile phones is exciting consumers world wide.  And the onset of VoIP is even more thrilling for the potential benefits and savings.  The conception of the two technologies into one super phone is hardly a surprise.  In the next few years, expect to see many new hybrid and VoWiFi phones appearing on the local consumer market for sale.

Products and Services

VoIP technology is on the move.  As it continues to draw popularity new products and services are continually flooding consumers.  Some of these products are hitting customers before rules and regulations can even be initiated for the technology as a whole.  Yet VoIP continues to rise, and due to its wonderful cost efficiency remains a viable force in the telecommunications arena. 

Some products and services applicable to VoIP technology are:

Instant Messaging with VoIP

Instant Messaging programs are embracing VoIP technology.  The greatest advantage to Instant Messaging VoIP is that it remains one of the free VoIP products on the market.  Simply visit your favorite Instant Messaging site and check for any new products labeled, “with voice” or “voice enabled” or “make phone calls”.  All of this refers to VoIP.  Programs such as Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, and MSN all enable VoIP capabilities.  Even Google has designed a new Instant Messaging- VoIP product.

We will continue to see the evolution of VoIP enabled products and services as this high demand technology continues to gain strength and momentum.

VoIP Service Providers for Telephone Needs

There are many new providers on the market that will supply your telecommunications needs.  Many of the providers will offer you services and features that are normally included in your landline telephone services.  Unlike standard telephone providers, these features are often included for free with your VoIP service.  Because VoIP integrates many different technologies such as data, audio, video, and web applications you can benefit from the services provided with VoIP.  Features such as Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Transferring, Voicemail, Do Not Disturb, and the ability to transfer your phone number are all included with your VoIP service.  You will need to check with your individual VoIP service provider to find out what specific features are included with your service of choice.

Another feature included with many VoIP service providers is the ability to choose your area code.  You may select from any area code within the United States, and some providers offer the ability to select an area code from other countries.  This has many benefits for residential users and small businesses as well.  If you have a lot of friends and family in a certain region, you can select an area code from their region, and they will be able to call you with local rates and not long distance rates. 

For small businesses the ability to choose a specific area code is advantageous because they can use that phone number to attract business in certain locations.

E911

Another new feature for VoIP users is the E-911 or Enhanced 911 program.  Many users have had trouble in the past calling 911 from VoIP connections.  Because VoIP utilizes a broadband Internet connection and not a standard landline, the Public Safety Answering Point Dispatcher does not readily see addresses and other important information; the FCC has instituted some rules and regulations regarding VoIP and 911.

To begin with, when purchasing VoIP services, you will be required to sign a statement that says you understand that your 911 services may be impaired by using VoIP.  Some VoIP providers do not offer 911 services at all.  Other providers will offer what is known as Enhanced 911.  To use E-911 services, you may be required to first activate the 911 services.  The most efficient way to use E-911 is to register your information with the Public Safety Answering system.  They will take your name and physical address.  That way, if you call 911, they won’t have your information readily available, but they will have it in their system.  However, if you are out or away from your residence and call 911, your information will be useless.  In a situation like that, you will need to clearly state your location.  Your VoWiFi phone won’t reveal any of your local information, as a cellular phone will.

VoWi Fi Phones

Another product on the VoIP market today is the VoWi Fi phone.  These are wireless phones that run on a VoIP network.  They are fairly new to the market and are currently more expensive than the cost of a cellular phone.  Though many major telephone companies such as Sprint, Vonage, and Verizon are creating VoWi Fi or hybrid- half Cellular half VoWi Fi phones.