Wifi Revolution

Fring, which makes a software application enabling 3G and dual mode WiFi (News - Alert) phones to make free, peer-to-peer VoIP calls over mobile networks, today announced that its software now enables fring users (known as “fringsters”) to choose any SIP provider to make free mobile VoIP calls to regular phones as well.

That means in addition to being able to make free mobile VoIP calls between “fringsters” and “Skypers,” as well as over IM, Google (News - Alert) Talk and Windows Live Messenger (MSN), users can now choose any SIP-based provider and use that service to make calls as well.

The software client works by allowing mobile users to communicate via their operator’s data package (i.e. they are charged accordingly for use of the data network by their service provider). Reduced calls charges are shared with family and friends who benefit from cheaper deals when calling “fringsters” on their SIP VoIP-in, or SkypeIn numbers.

The software currently works on Nokia (News - Alert) handsets, including models 6630, 6680, 6681, 6682, N70, N72, N80, N80i, N90, N71, N73, N75, N91, N92, N93, E60, E61 and E70.

Fring claims it is the first company with a product that allows cell phone users to pick-and-choose between their favorite SIP-based VoIP networks. It also claims its software is the first to enable cell phone users to use any SIP provider - even if their handset does not support SIP. The downloadable software is pre-programmed to recognize several SIP providers, including GizmoProject, VoipCheap and VoipStunt, but users can easily configure other providers through a simple guided process.

“Enabling SIP is another example of fring openness and our drive to empower consumers with real mobile independence - by allowing them to choose the provider of their calls, regardless of mobile operator,” explained Avi Shechter, co-founder and CEO of fring, in a press release. “fringsters can now simply choose how they want to call or chat with a one-click choice from their contact menu to other fringsters, to PC based IM buddies, or to landlines and other cellular phones using GSM, fring, Google Talk, MSN, Skype (News - Alert), SkypeOut or SIP.”

The announcement serves as further evidence that SIP has firmly established itself as the standard signaling protocol for VoIP.

Fring announced the launch of its free, PC-independent peer-to-peer mobile VoIP application in January. The software lets users make free calls “anywhere” using either a WiFi connection or existing 3G (data) service. Because calls placed over a 3G network are recognized as “data,” users can harness their existing data service (delivered via their existing subscription agreement) to make calls, and thus are not charged for air time.

The new service, which is also compatible with all Symbian 8 and the latest Symbian 9 devices, lets users talk and chat with other fring users - as well as Skype and GoogleTalk contacts - for free. (Although the product uses Skype, it is not endorsed or certified by Skype.)

This downloadable application is mobile-operator independent and is available by SMS invitation from a fring user, or by registering at www.fring.com.

To learn more about how to initiate a SIP call, visit http://www.fring.com/blog.

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Patrick Barnard is Assignment 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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