Wifi Revolution

There has been a lot of activity lately in the WiFi (News - Alert) space as service providers all over the globe have begun testing new systems for delivering WiFi Telephony (i.e. mobile VoIP) to the masses.

One of the main factors driving this is the fact that service providers (especially DSL and cable providers) are now going gang busters with the development of wireless services for their upcoming “quadruple play” offerings (Internet, video, fixed telephony and wireless telephony), which are designed to lure in more broadband telephony customers. To say that WiFi will eventually end up replacing GSM as the new “standard” in wireless technology still seems pretty far-fetched, but, judging by the increasing number of “dual mode” IP phones coming onto the market, the increasing number of WiFi “hotspots,” and the preponderance of residential WiFi routers (not to mention the increasing number of enterprise and municipal WiFi network deployments), things do seem to be heading in that direction. Because it runs in the unlicensed, 2.4 GHz spectrum, WiFi is perhaps the best way to deliver wireless VoIP at rates which will put it comfortably below GSM.

One player in the WiFi space which is in the process of testing its own brand of WiFi Telephony is UK-based aql. The VoIP service and mobile messaging provider announced yesterday that is inviting Nokia (News - Alert) E-series users to sample free peer-to-peer WiFi calling over its mobile VoIP network.

This means anyone who has a Nokia E60, E61 or E70 handset can make free peer-to-peer calls to other users on aql’s network. Users of these handsets can simply text ‘nokia’ to aql short code 64446 and their phones will be configured automatically. Those taking advantage of the offer will be able to make free or super cheap VoIP calls over WiFi while retaining their mobile number and existing GSM service. Once a user is connected to aql’s network, the embedded software in the handsets will be automatically activated to enable high quality VoIP calls via WiFi. Users do not have to download any additional software and the service is available within minutes of sign-up.

Users can also extend the service to call GSM and landline numbers by purchasing a conventional “call credit” from www.aqtel.com, or by texting ‘topup’ to 64446. The company claims calls to GSM mobiles will cost from as little as 8p a minute, while calls to landlines will cost a puny 1p a minute. A company press release does not explicitly mention whether aql’s network facilitates seamless hand-off between WiFi and GSM, however, it is implied that the dual-mode phones will automatically switch over when a user enters a hotspot.

“Mobile VoIP has huge potential for many types of personal and business communications,” said Dr Adam Beaumont, aql’s managing director, in the press release. “It is ideal for frequent travelers, for example, as there are no roaming charges. And since most good hotels now offer WiFi connectivity, mobile users will have the potential to call home free of charge from wherever they are in the world.”

“We are keen for all E-series users to text-in so that they can experience for themselves the quality of our mobile VoIP service, without the necessity of switching from their existing GSM provider,” Dr. Beaumont added. “The free offer is simply intended to prove that WiFi VoIP calling can deliver an excellent mobile service, with the ability to run alongside GSM for whenever callers are outside of a wireless hot spot.”

aql claims it has more than 3 million assigned UK geographic numbers to choose online, with monthly service charges of £2 a month.

For more information, visit www.aql.com/site/news.php.

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Patrick Barnard is Associate Editor for TMCnet and a columnist covering the telecom industry. To see more of his articles, please visit Patrick Barnard’s columnist page.

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