The Hidden Gotcha of VoIP phones

Sometimes you just need an operator. It's not often, but there are services that a real, live operator can perform that you just don't get when you subscribe to one of the popular VOIP services such as Vonage. Of course, you're not gong to make collect calls from your VOIP line, and international calls likewise need no operator intervention. But what happens if you need to check the status of a line? That was the scenario I recently faced.

Belkin's Wi-Fi Phone for Skype Breaks Out of the Pack

Truphone brings free mobile calls over VoIP

With computer VoIP services like Skype and Vonage continuing to build consumer base, Truphone is a new London-based start-up going a slightly different route - bringing the same technology to cell phones to enable free or inexpensive calls on the go.

The technology behind Truphone, which is currently only available for select Nokia handsets, is based on the idea that that calls are routed through the Internet instead the more costly networks of mobile carriers. It can be used anywhere where a strong Wi-Fi signal is present, Truphone writes.

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SMC, Skype, FON team for WiFi Skype phone bundle

SMC Networks today announced a product bundle for wireless Skype calling.

The bundle includes everything you need to make Internet calls using an 802.11b or g wireless LAN: SMC's WSKP100 Wi-Fi Phone for Skype (reviewed here), FON’s “La Fonera” wireless router, 500 minutes of SkypeOut credit and Skype Voicemail for a year.

The bundle is available now from the Skype Web store for $159.99.

SMC adds WiFi Skype phone cradles

SMC Networks today announced two cradles for its Wi-Fi Skype phone: the SMCDPCR WiFi phone cradle and SMCDPCR-AP cradle/access point.

The SMCDPCR-AP serves as a charger/cradle and includes and an 802.11g access point. The AP has two SSID’s: one for VoIP calls and the other for regular wireless clients. It also supports WEP encryption and WPA and WPA2 security.

The SMCDPCR and SMCDPCR-AP will be available next month at MSRPs of $19.99 and $69.99, respectively.

PhoneGnome adds free web-based calling; reduces prices

TelEvolution today announced its PhoneGnome Service 2.0 that offers multiple ways to make free long distance and international calls to most telephones in the world. PhoneGnome Service 2.0 requires no hardware, and gives consumers free or low priced calls using their home phone, mobile phone, or PC.

Skype 3.0 intros moderated chats

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Aruba plans to unify Wi-Fi and cellular voice

Netgear's Wi-Fi Skype Phone: Closer, but no cigar

Fall VON 2006 Report: VoIP is Dead...Again