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Information Week reviews some popular WiFi phones. Skype and Vonage have each partnered with hardware manufacturers to release cell-like phones that can use their services via Wi-Fi networks, says Information Week.
Traditional cell carriers are launching dual-mode phones that also run over Wi-Fi networks. T-Mobile is testing HotSpot@Home in Seattle. The service may be extended to other cities in 2007.
Sprint and cable companies have also partnered on the AWS frequencies for 3G phones. That could mean that cable operators might (eventually) offer WiFi phone service (via cable modem) and AWS/cellular service (away from home).
Dual-mode (WiFi/Cellular) phones may hop between wireless and cellular networks using Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. It keeps billing centralized. Cellular providers, on the other hand, see no points in opening up their devices to allow competitors like Skype or Vonage to eat their lunch.
Information Week reviews dedicated WiFi phones from Netgear/Skype (model SPH101, list price: $230); the Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype (model F1PP000GN-SK, list price: $180); and the Sony’s Mylo (list price: $350).
Dual-mode (Cellular/WiFi) phones currently include the Nokia 6136 and Samsung SGH-T709. While the phones may cost under $100, the service plans cost a minimum of $60 per month — a cellular plan for $40 or more and an additional $20 month for the Wi-Fi service.
It would be tempting to put a Ruckus Metroplex repeater ($150, left) by your window and dump your landline for a dual-mode, WiFi/Cellular phone (running Skype).
But it ain’t gonna happen. Not if cellular companies have anything to do with it.
Meanwhile, Sprint Nextel tossed a bombshell into the San Francisco market, reports RCR Wireless. Sprint is offering two Unlimited Access Pack plans; a $120-per-month plan that includes unlimited voice calling, messaging and mobile Web access, and a $150-per-month plan that bundles all of those options plus unlimited Internet access for a personal computer.
Wireless Internet access for a computer typically costs $60 per month. The San Francisco area is also home to regional wireless operator MetroPCS which offers an unlimited calling service beginning at $30.
Related DailyWireless articles include; Skype to FCC: Open Cellular Now, Ruckus Repeater for MetroFi, 25 Tips for Using Skype, Cordless Skype Phones, 8 Hour WiFi Phone, iPhone Arrives: From Linksys, Skype $30/yr Unlimited Calling, WiFi Phones: Practical?, Mylo Goes Free, T-Mobile Dash, Skype on The Cloud, Wireless VoIP, T-Mobile At Home and Cable/Sprint Pole Dance.
