VoIP You

Yesterday, while discussing the VoIP feature of the week, I pointed out that you have the ability to take your IP service with you wherever you go:

"So now you can call anyone anywhere for just pennies using your cell phone or even your friend's phone!"

While your friend probably won't care about you using your VoIP services on her line, some cell phone companies are trying to put a stop to "mobile" VoIP:

"T-Mobile International, which has mobile phone operations in Europe and the United States, is among the first companies to ban the use of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol, or Internet-based telephone service) over its networks. Its Web 'n' Walk professional service expressly prohibits such usage, and the company reserves the right to terminate contracts." (From PC World)

Of course, at the same time, other companies are doing their best to link up with VoIP providers:

"With cost-saving voice over Internet telephony taking off and replacing wired phones, makers of cellular phones are taking notice. Cell phone heavyweights Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Nortel Networks and others are incorporating VoIP into the cell phones..." (From News.com)

A recent study on Americans' feelings about their cell phones may have inadvertently brought the VoIP/Cell debate to the forefront. It seems that Americans are beginning to realize that they can do more with their phones, and they are interested in services and features that most cell carriers simply don't offer:

"According to the Siemens survey, U.S. and World Demand for Wireless Solutions, topping the U.S. mobile applications wish list are:

• Mobile e-mail ...to manage both office and private e-mails, calendars and contact lists ...

• Mobile music services for access to a radio station or to download songs...

• Mobile television services to allow the watching of existing television channels or to enable the downloading and playback of specific video content..." (From The VoIP Conversation)

Many of the features that people are looking for in their cell phones are already available with VoIP. Not to mention that most are interested in saving some money on their phone bills, which can be done with VoIP as well. So, will the efforts of T-Mobile and others to try to stop the move to mobile VoIP be successful? Red Herring recently spoke with Lars Godell, a principal analyst at Forrester Research to get his perspective on the situation:

"'I think moves like T-Mobile's are self-defeating...Users will always find ways around attempts at blocking technological development, or move to a different provider.'"

As much as large cell providers hope that they can stem the growth of VoIP, it's more likely we will see the links between cell phones and VoIP become even stronger in years to come. The most effective VoIP plans allow you to take your savings and your services on the road, and as consumers, it will be hard to shy away from a deal that gives you the best of both worlds.