Skype and Netgear are the latest firms to offer a Wi-Fi
phone that works on voice over IP networks.
The jointly developed phone will be available to users before
April and allow Skype subscription users to make free calls to each
other anywhere in the world using Wi-Fi networks they can
access.
Like the Wi-Fi VoIP phone launched by operator Vonage at the end
of last year, the Skype handset will not work on paid-for Wi-Fi
networks found in public places like airports, bookshops and
hotels.
But if users have the correct network ID, they will be able to
make and receive calls using private encrypted Wi-Fi networks.
A PC is not required to use the phone. The likes of Avaya and
Nokia are planning similar offerings for the large corporate
market.
The Skype and Vonage handsets are designed for consumers and
SMEs.
While Skype’s new phone allows users to call other Skype users
for free using a network ID over Skype’s VoIP network, calls to
non-subscribers are charged for, albeit at a cheaper rate than
traditional providers.
