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June 27, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-27

"The conference calling feature is fast and easy to use, and requires you to know nothing more than how to push a button and dial a phone number"

"When Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida last October, most business owners had to struggle to survive without telephone service. Not Stephen McWilliam. "

"Shamelessy copied straight from David Isenberg, because it’s the most clear, succinct and accurate representation of what AT&T says."

"There are still people who think that Internet access pricing should be more complex."

"I found several donations, most of them to Net Neutrality opponents."

"Inflight data and voice services seem to be really hitting a wall these days."

"Here is more on the NSA showing how much of the agencies’ resources were being used for surveillance. None of it is surprising to me. "

Posted on June 27, 2006 at 05:33 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 26, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-26

"As VoIP continues to grow in popularity here in the States, it's easy to overlook what's happening with the technology elsewhere."

"In More Companies Tell Workers to Silence Cell Phones, USA Today reports due to the productivity impact, more companies are telling workers to silence cell phones on the job, and in some cases banning the devices outright. "

"On Thursday night June 22nd at Galina located in the Port of Tel Aviv, over 900 people joined our “Summer Party” for the Israeli Hi-Tech Industry."

"To me, though, the specter of The Torrents used for illegal, or illegal purposes doesn't mean that we have to allow a bunch of file-swappers to gum our Internet up for the rest of us."

"I received this letter from Consumer’s Union. It seems like a worthy cause. I get lost of e-mails from Consumers Union on a variety of different causes. I don’t always agree with their causes but if the following is true, it is very scary."

"Voltron the Space Commander would look way more intimidating with a cordless in the treehouse."

Posted on June 26, 2006 at 06:39 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 23, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-23

"This week, Jeff Pulver announced the winners of his Save the Net video contest. We’re very pleased to announce that we made the list of the 'top runners-up.'"

"So begins Tim Berners-Lee’s short piece arguing for net neutrality.  He applies Occam’s Razor to the arguments being made by the big media companies, and service providers, finds them wanting, and reduces the case for net neutrality to this simple statement."

"Internet phone calls have been cheaper than regular landline calls until now. But those bills may rise after the FCC approved a new plan today to fund phone subsidies."

"This is sleazy stuff, and it forms the real basis for being concerned about the games the network owners would play if free to play games. The really striking part of this (to me, a constitutionalist) is how the legislative branch keeps passing laws that the executive branch just ignores. And why ignore the laws? Corporate influence. That’s what this case reeks of."

"Well, the FCC voted unanimously yesterday to require all voice over Internet Protocol services that connect to the public-switched telephone network (PSTN) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund."

"This fee, which was originally designed to tax the access lines of the cities in order to provide access for the rural areas, is supposed to apply to the LINES in service, not to the voice application itself."

"Tim Berners-Lee simplifies the yowling in Washington about Net Neutrality."

"No, seriously – a dog dialed 911 and saved someone’s life."

Posted on June 23, 2006 at 05:57 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 22, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-22

"It's great to remember the little things that brought you joy as a kid, but don't get so nostalgic that you miss what's out there now. Let your old phone line take its place on memory lane with your copy of Thriller and your old cassette Walkman."

"Here is a letter being sent out on the upcoming VoIP Developer show."

"VoIP is gaining momentum in France with a large number of cell phone users keen to use Wi-Fi convergence technology to make cheap VoIP calls on their hand-held sets."

"The House of Representatives defeat of an amendment to the omnibus Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act could have a profound impact on the development of voice over IP telephony, said independent service providers."

"The Federal Communications Commission voted Wednesday to increase the amount that cell phone providers must pay into the Universal Service Fund (USF), while also requiring VoIP providers to contribute for the first time."

"In today's How-To, we're taking the diagonal cutters to the Ma Bell umbilical cord and hooking up our voice over IP adapter so we can use our old phone jacks. No soldering irons or caustic acid required. This time."

"It really is up to the user to make sure that their emergency contact information is correct and up-to-date."

Posted on June 22, 2006 at 06:01 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 21, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-21

"As VoIP continues to grow, it's clear that its newest features will reach into virtually every area of entertainment and affect the way people do business."

"VoIP has competitive advantages, but its main disadvantage is a dilly: It requires a technology comfort zone, if not downright know-how."

"During this 16-minute podcast, TechRepublic technical director George Ou and section editor Bill Detwiler explore business cases for and against VoIP."

"For those of you who haven’t heard what Bruce Kushnick has to say, his $200 Billion Broadband Scandal book is available for free download in PDF for, until Monday, June 26, 2006."

"In a newly posted piece on Salon.com, two former AT&T network engineers state that an AT&T NOC (Network Operations Center) in Bridgeton, Mo. houses a 20 by 40 foot, secret room where it is thought that National Security Agency operations can be performed."

"This service has been tried in baby steps, but there's so much more to go. And such an upside, that I cannot believe this wouldn't be a huge hit."

Posted on June 21, 2006 at 06:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 20, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-20

"AT&T quietly rolled out standalone DSL broadband service for the first time this week, giving consumers the choice to drop their home phone land lines."

"Being in the WSJ also has the effects of a one-sided high school reunion. So far I have been contacted by two people I haven’t spoken to since the early 80’s, as well as a few others from my prior life living in the world of spreadsheets, financial analytics and real-time market data."

"While I was pleased with the quality of the top submissions, I still have grave fear that we are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of the legislators and policymakers. They do not see what the Internet could be if we are afforded the best policy framework to innovate on the open Internet."

"Although FCC ruling make it compulsory for the VoIP providers to provide E911 to their customers, Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) have still some problems, a 911-solution vendor executive explains."

"Slowly, but surely, people are starting to figure out what's really going on with the network neutrality debate."

"It's yet another reminder on why actually trusting the telcos on anything they say is a unlikely to do you any good."

"When it comes to USB powered gadgets, this doesn’t just take the cake, it takes the entire bakery and then burns it down for the insurance money. The USB shirt has two fans on the left and right sides of the back, taking in air to cleanse all the sweat off your spare tire."

Posted on June 20, 2006 at 06:05 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 19, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-19

"This bill does nothing to ensure Net Neutrality. All it does is say in effect to consumers, well, if you think your ISP is slowing down your Google, well you have the right to complain to the FCC."

"These few lines just to say that VoIP can demonstrate that is not a bubble, but the trick is to work VERY HARD to create new business models and innovative initiatives, without thinking that VoIP can bring money from nothing. VoIP is a new technology that can be used to create value. Let's work (everyone involved in the VoIP scenario, starting from the VCs) to do that, not just to speculate on it."

(Registration required) "If approved, those rules could drive up prices for Internet calling, which allows customers to make cheap or free calls worldwide using technology similar to the way e-mail is delivered. That, in turn, could hamper the industry just as it is getting started."

"Governments around the world are wrestling with the impact of VoIP on telecom regulation. Some treat VoIP as just another way to deliver telephony services (and subject to all the taxes and regulatory constraints of legacy voice). Others view it as an emerging technology that has to be carefully nurtured, and therefore protected from taxes and regulatory constraints."

"While I'm scheduled to speak at VON Israel on Tuesday morning, I am planning on spending a good portion of my time on-site meeting with start-ups. My hope is to discover "the next big thing" in communications, someone and/or something beyond the current blogosphere hype surrounding 'Voice 2.0', 'Telco 2.0' and 'Communications 2.0.'"

"A group of Internet pioneers, including Vint Cerf, has authored a paper critical of the FCC CALEA requirement for VoIP."

"This is an interesting use of the iPod: scouting opposing baseball teams. Instead of having to watch game tapes on a TV in the locker room with the other sweaty guys, players can take their videos on the road and study them anytime—including right before gametime."

Posted on June 19, 2006 at 06:01 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 16, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-16

"I was reading the June issue of VON Magazine when I ran across David S. Isenberg's article on the back page. He quoted tesimony of Gary R. Bachula, Vice President of Internet2, that was given before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in February 2006 on the subject of Net Neutrality. Now Gary has to be a smart guy--much smarter than I am, and he comes to the conclusion that, at least for practical reasons, Internet Service Providers would be better served by adding more bandwidth instead of attempting to ration it."

"The gist of these arguments appear to be that net neutrality might indeed be important, but the Internet is changing too fast for any new laws that could be passed at this point to endure."

"The research found that 27 per cent of consumers are keen to use their mobile phone in place of their home phone on a regular basis, while 17 per cent of users would consider switching to a more expensive broadband package if they can save money on calls with VoIP."

"A panel at this week’s National Emergency Number Association conference discussed the myriad issues facing public-safety answering point managers as they work to deploy 911 services to callers using voice-over-IP handsets. Among the advice dispensed was that officials shouldn’t let “rules of engagement” get in the way of provisioning such services as soon as possible."

"All the incumbents familiar to us in internet policy questions -- law enforcement, Hollywood, and the telcos -- share an interest in deep packet inspection.  They all want to protect their existing, old-world business models."

This is where will be this weekend--enjoying great music at the my people stage . We'll see you on Monday!

Posted on June 16, 2006 at 06:02 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 15, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-15

"Here's a tip: your dad has more ties than he needs, and no one wants to get socks on a holiday. Why not make your dad's life a little easier...or at least get him something cool?"

"I have to reiterate that many, if not all, of the current regulations do not make sense in a world where voice is an application riding on top of broadband transmission services. The current Universal Service Fund ("USF") contribution methodology, which requires service providers to determine whether its revenues are derived from intrastate vs. interstate or international services, telecom services vs. information services, or even customer premises equipment ("CPE"), is one of the many regulatory schemes that no longer work in a geographically irrelevant, converged, IP-enabled world."

"Want to win my business in the next generation? Based on the plethora of phone calls I got yesterday, give me Caller IQ. I’ll pay for that!"

"If the telcos have their way, the Internet in the US COULD become as innovation-free as the phone networks and as content-challenged and inflexible as the cable networks."

"Maybe a growing appreciation for the value of “freedom from monopolies in commerce” can help explain the fact that the NRA is among those who support network neutrality. Perhaps there’s a sense shared by many on the “left” and “right” that it’s not just the government that can exert too much power to restrict individual freedoms, but also large corporations that enjoy great market power AND great political power, the latter achieved in large measure through “investing” some portion of the economic surplus acquired via economic power in political lobbying, campaign contributions and access to mass media, which have historically been relatively few, expensive and powerful political megaphones."

"Trends driving VoIP adoption will be mobility, simplicity, and a need for on-demand telephony, the report says. Simple setup requirements will make consumers more comfortable with the technology, and the ability to access IP telephony not just at home, but while traveling will be a driver as well."

Posted on June 15, 2006 at 06:16 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 14, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-14

"VoIP might still give you more privacy than its counterparts."

"Mr. Pulver, 43, is anything but an ordinary businessman. He eschews standard corporate attire in favor of Hawaiian shirts and sandals. A stroll through his Melville, N.Y., office -- which is the antithesis of all things corporate -- leaves the impression he is a music magnate or poker champion rather than an IT administrator-turned-telecom whiz."

"This story was a year in the making and it was great to finally see it get published this morning."

"The challenge is that to those of us on the inside, the "VoIP industry" is this large space with lots of different segments and players. We can see the differences I outline (and many more). But to the larger business world, Voice over IP in general is so new that everything gets labelled as "VoIP". That will change over time... and really it falls to organizations like VOIPSA and others to help in that education."

"The net neutrality skeptics seem to fall into three, somewhat overlapping camps: those who are philosophically opposed to most governmental regulation; the free market Darwinists who believe the market will sort out the winning solutions from the less so-blessed, and: The enginners."

"The report also states that it would not be possible for the government to expect all products that make use of VoIP to comply with the FCC requirements mandating wiretapping backdoors for government surveillance."

"Essentially it states that a VoIP provider will be penalized by restricting them from acquiring new customers within a specific geographic region if they do not provide e911 service to that area within 180 days."

Posted on June 14, 2006 at 06:12 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 13, 2006

Who's on the Other Line? (Part II)

Last month, in Part I of what was only to be a one-part series, we discussed the possibility that the government might be tapping your phone. While this is one of the hottest topics of the upcoming mid-term elections, we avoided delving into the political machinations that are behind the taps, and like Joe Friday, tried to stick to just the facts:

"'While the NSA supposedly received records from three largest phone companies, the agency doesn't have the wherewithal to contact smaller VoIP vendors, which has prompted some consumers to switch to other carriers... VoIP companies...offer greater anonymity since PC to PC calls are more difficult to track, and since customers only have to provide an email address to get an account.'" (From Marketing Shift)

Well, no one (not even VoIP) can hide forever. After a relatively short appeals process, the courts have spoken, and the "wiretappers" have come out on top:

"US courts have said that authorities can continue tapping of VoIP calls and VoIP providers must provide access to their networks...A deadline of 14 May 2007 has been set for VoIP companies in order to comply with the decision." (VoIP Now)

Is there still hope for those who want to live in a world without wiretapping? You can always go back to school:

"...private networks (like those on college campuses), however, will theoretically remain legally secure from the wiretaps." (From Endgadget)

For many, this has been a long time coming. Traditional landlines and cell phones have already been open to this kind of surveillance, so it's not as though VoIP has been singled out. However, VoIP might still give you more privacy than its counterparts.

Whether you're up in arms or taking the decision in stride, you're not alone. Both sides of the debate (and both sides of the aisle ) will be heard loudly through this year's elections, and most likely through the elections in 2008.

Posted on June 13, 2006 at 07:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-13

"Ex won't stop calling to say how you two can still work things out? Boss bothering you at home on the weekend? Video Store hounding you about that charming romantic comedy you swear you're going to get around to watching? Ignore them."

"One of the key aspects of managing an enterprise VoIP network is based on the thought process that went into the early planning and design. We need to understand what tools and resources were implemented it the development of the solution."

"I had no trouble hearing it, and according to the convenient chart provided (reproduced at left), at the age of 42 most people my age can’t hear anything beyond 13Khz. Apparently, I am more youthful than I thought…"

"The results suggest that VoIP subscribers tend to be married and employed full-time, with household income of over $50,000. Another common thread was that most tended to make a lot of long distance calls."

"For those of you keeping score, the Internet lost a couple big battles in Washington, DC last week, and that losing streak will likely continue."

Posted on June 13, 2006 at 05:39 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 12, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-12

"We all know that saving money is only one of the many draws of VoIP, but that reduction in cost has made it easier for people to communicate internationally as well as here at home."

"I need to know more about how this hack took place, but it sure sounds like these gents may have found an exploitable vulnerability in VoIP security."

"I'm not the first to suggest this of course, but I propose that rather than some kind of all-comprehensive telco bill, why don't we start by putting in place a bill that defines some of this language in formal tems. Baby steps."

"We're sorry to report, however, the case which appeared before the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has officially been settled upon, and it's been decided that we'll continue to live under the provisions outlined in the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)."

"In a world where network hardware is increasingly a commodity, where can Cisco turn for its profits in the future? If today's buyout of two private companies is any sign, Cisco is betting the farm on VoIP."

"The network neutrality debate is about the third segment -- the piece between home and backbone."

"Voice-over-Internet protocol, or VoIP, is changing the way corporate and home-based businesses communicate. In the corporate environment, IP telephony accounted for 8 percent of the business lines installed worldwide in 2004, according to statistics from VoIP provider Avaya. The number is expected to quadruple by 2007."

Posted on June 12, 2006 at 06:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 09, 2006

VoIP's vulnerability

It's Friday, and while you may be thinking about a weekend of sun, you may want to turn your attention to Capitol Hill one last time this work week before heading off to grab that poolside margarita. Most consumers usually don't care about Capitol Hill votes until it hits them in the pocket. With that in mind, Jeff Pulver says now is the time to care:

"The Amendment, offered up by Rep Gutknecht would serve to Boost Charges on Internet Communications. The Amendment would do the following:
1) reverses the landmark Vonage decision asserting exclusive federal jurisdiction over VoIP and subjecting VoIP to a potential patchwork of conflicting 50 state regulatory frameworks,
2) would raise rates on VoIP service by requiring the FCC to apply the broken access charge regime to VoIP, and
3) gives the FCC the green light to apply their current USF proposal that would require VoIP to pay into USF at more than double the current wireless safe harbor."

What's it all mean? Pulver suggest that the amendment, among other things, could:

"Eliminate the flat-rate VoIP plans that are so popular with constituents, by applying per-minute access charges."

Pulver also believes with the increased government regulation:

"Consumers could miss out on the new services, competition, and lower prices that VoIP can deliver."

We all know that saving money is only one of the many draws of VoIP, but that reduction in cost has made it easier for people to communicate internationally as well as here at home. To learn more about all of the issues the amendment raises and what you can do about it, please check out The Jeff Pulver Blog. To learn more about Gutknecht's take on other VoIP issues of the day, read the Winona Daily News.

All right, have a good weekend and enjoy the poolside.

Posted on June 09, 2006 at 10:55 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-09

"New marketing and recording techniques have developed that are allowing bands to take their music to the people, and while musicians still face challenges, they are finally getting a chance to be heard. Add in the benefits and features of VoIP to the new marketing mix and your band can have a leg up on all those other bands competing for exposure."

"Fortunately, VoIP is growing up. Many long-standing concerns--having to do with reliability, sound quality, convenience--have finally been addressed. And scores of new products now make Internet phone systems more powerful than landlines."

"We – the Internet communications industry, entrepreneurs, innovators and enthusiasts -- need your help. And we need it today. In addition to the US House of Representatives voting the COPE Bill -- designed primarily to allow the Bell Companies franchising relief to deliver IPTV services...an amendment to the House Cope Bill has just been approved for a US House floor vote tomorrow morning. The Amendment, offered up by Rep Gutknecht would serve to Boost Charges on Internet Communications."

"Even if the intentions are not malice but simply technology incompetence due to Cox's implementation of some security software, the effects are the same."

"If you run VoIP, you better keep things tight."

"More than a year after the FCC issued an order mandating that voice-over-IP (VoIP) service providers offer enhanced 911 to their customers, public-safety answering points (PSAPs) are still left with more questions than answers, a 911 solution vendor executive said this week."

Posted on June 09, 2006 at 06:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 08, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-08

"Her one saving grace was her VoIP phone, which would help her multi-task the rest of the morning away."

"Arlen Specter said that after discussions with the Bush administration and Senate Intelligence Committee colleagues who had been more fully briefed on the National Security Agency program, he was 'prepared to defer on a temporary basis' requiring representatives from AT&T, Verizon Communications and BellSouth to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he leads."

"What we need is an evolutionary product. The first part of it would be a protocol that allows the caller to maintain ownership of his calls and route them effectively."

"I really wonder what all this discussions about how to intercept VoIP calls and make VOIP CALEA compliant is about. The NSA is monitoring all Internet traffic anyway."

"Two people I know told me today that they are meeting more and more people that just delete e-mail and voicemail. The theory goes if it is important they will just call again or e-mail again, etc."

"Consistent with past checks, enterprise demand for voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) infrastructure appears notably strong"

"I've gotten a lot of response from my 'Hot/Not' pre-Globalcomm column in my Telephony Online Update newsletter of May 31, and some of it was from people wondering why I described Jeff Pulver's parties as 'not.' Well, having attended another PulverMedia's party at the House of Blues during Globalcomm this year, I have to admit he's got the best thing going--a ton of people coming together and lettying down their collective hair in a way that just doesn't happen at other parties (and there were even women at this one)."

Posted on June 08, 2006 at 05:52 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 07, 2006

A VoIP Adventure

It started off like any other lazy Sunday. Jane woke up, rolled out of bed, and headed over to the local coffee shop. You know, the one that's fairly close to achieving world domination? As she walked to her car with her Venti mocha half-caff iced soy latte in hand, she was consumed with the horrible feeling that she was forgetting something. Jane tried to shake it off as she drove home. After all, it was Sunday, what could she possibly have to do?

She passed a few hours in front of the TV remembering all the reasons she loved the '80s and trying her best to finish her coffee. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, she still couldn't shake the feeling that she was forgetting something. After talk of glam rock and Strawberry Shortcake subsided, some washed up TV stars, a video vixen, and somebody she thought might be a wrestler but could just as easily be the guy who was always talking about "blasting his quads" down at the gym came on the screen, Jane decided she could spend another hour in front of the television. Not that she liked the show or anything, but you know it's just so hard to look away. Then it happened. The phone rang. From the customized tone, Jane knew it was a reminder call. She had forgotten something...Her mother's birthday.

Jane sprang into action. Not only was it her mom's birthday, she was in charge of getting everyone to the restaurant on time for a surprise dinner. How could she have forgotten? Her one saving grace was her VoIP phone, which would help her multi-task the rest of the morning away.

"Curse you, VH1!" she yelled to no one. Quickly she used her VoIP phone to place one call. The service would relay the message onto everyone she needed to reach, giving Jane time to shower, get dressed, and finish that coffee.

She was ready, but she still needed a present. Not everyone had gotten back to her, but she had to leave. She knew full well that her VoIP service would find her on her cell, at her sister's, or one of the other stops she planned on making, so she wouldn't miss a call.

Jane shopped faster than she ever had in her life, and she shopped well, but she still felt like she needed something more. As she weaved in and out of lines of tourists strolling along the street, she reached for her cell phone. She needed to know when her dad and mom would be leaving for the restaurant. Her cell was dead.

"Curse you tourists!" she yelled, blaming them for all her woes.

Jane stepped into her mother's favorite store, rattled and worried she would be late for the party she was supposed to plan. As she entered, a confused employee asked, "Are you Jane?" before handing over the store phone. VoIP had worked and had saved her again -- her father had been able to get a hold of her.

"I'm on my way," Jane said as she hung up the phone, found the perfect gift, and headed out to the restaurant. She arrived just in time to lead all of the guests in a rousing chorus of "Surprise!" as her mother entered.

"Any problems organizing things?" Her dad asked.

"Nope. No problem at all," Jane said.

Posted on June 07, 2006 at 05:47 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-07

"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."

"We received a great article from Hank Cohen at Hifn about cryptography and VoIP. Hank presents his view on the pros and cons of the different cryptographic proposals for VoIP systems. Definitely well worth a read."

"From what I've heard, the event in general has been a bit of a letdown. But there have been quite a few press releases that merit mention. Here's a small sampling of some of the news releases that caught my eye as worth watching."

"Abbeynet Labs released today the first version of a Firefox VoIP extension, that means that you can now have a full featured SIP user agent directly into Firefox."

"Microsoft and Yahoo may keep working on integration of IM clients and platforms, but I want to know if it will have VoIP in the mix."

"VoIP (Voice over IP) has the potential to hit the fixed-line voice market hard. Overseas voice providers have found that revenue generated from voice has decreased as users start to use the cheaper IP-based communication services."

Posted on June 07, 2006 at 05:30 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 06, 2006

The VoIP/Cell Connection

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.

Posted on June 06, 2006 at 11:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-06

"Put the IP back in VoIP, and get the most out of your phone service whether you're meeting with clients on the West Coast, taking in a show in London's West End, or just heading out for a night on the town."

"In this inital episode we wrap up reviewing a couple of points from Ted Wallingford’s recent Mini-white paper: Overcoming cultural challenges to the VoIP revolution. One point listener may notice we skipped over was the issue of interoperablity. You’ll hear today that we’ve agreed interoperablity is an issue we believe may warrant a full podcast discussion."

"They have a new study on mobility out that contains some fascinating information. While not directly VoIP related, with the coming of fixed mobile convergence (and it is coming quickly) we'll see more and more integration of wireless phones into the VoIP space. I thought it would be good to share some of Siemens' findings and thoughts."

"...Utilicom is the emergence of the only global industry with more money, political importance (the US is currently fighting a war to protect it) and arrogance to usurp the global Telecommunication industry without realizing that that small bump it just drove-over was the death of a 150 year-old industry. Utilicom is the emergence of the Utility companies upon the world stage of communication."

"Carl Ford's recent post on feature interaction created a little dialog between Carl and some members of the IP Communications Blogsophere."

"I did investigate further, I walked out of my apartment and across Alamo Square and popped in on Jim Buckmaster, the CEO of Craigslist. Jim was just getting back from work and I spoke with Susan Best, publicist for Craigslist. Susan said they have known about the problem with Cox."

"Paul's April post 'Outlaw Caller ID,' got me to thinking how foolish it is for some enterprises to base their VoIP phone call and transfer authentication on a number that shows up via VoIP caller ID."

Posted on June 06, 2006 at 05:32 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 05, 2006

VoIP Feature of the Week

The weekend has ended and it's back to work. For many, this means hitting the roads or the skies and traveling for business. The business traveler is often faced with costs that never quite get covered on the expense report. There are calls home from hotels, calls made to the office while "roaming," and more. We could discuss the ever-rising prices of "continental" breakfasts and rental cars, but those are issues for another time and place.

Too often, when you travel for business or pleasure you end up losing your standard calling rates. Even worse, you lose all of the features that you have grown accustomed to with your VoIP phone. You're away from home, and you are paying more for half the service you are used to. At my people, we make sure that while you're traversing the country or even trekking around the globe, you don't lose your great rates or your special features. Regardless of where you are or what phone you are using, you can still tap into the benefits of your VoIP plan.

my remote

"With my people's My Remote service you'll always have that "home away from home" feeling. Access all your my people features - speak to dial, weather and your great international calling rates from any phone when you're away from home. So now you can call anyone anywhere for just pennies using your cell phone or even your friend's phone!"

Old-fashioned home phones provide exactly what their name implies. Once you leave the house, you're out of luck. And everyone knows that standard cell phone plans can quickly fall apart and costs can add up as soon as you leave town. Put the IP back in VoIP, and get the most out of your phone service whether you're meeting with clients on the West Coast, taking in a show in London's West End, or just heading out for a night on the town.

Posted on June 05, 2006 at 05:25 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-05

"It's strange that many VoIP companies continue to sling technical jargon every chance they get, while they develop products that are complex and often difficult to set up for those who aren't gadget aficionados."

"A few years ago we had a great deal of controversy in the Pulver Report when we were discussing the threat of feature interaction when managing call control. A noted IETF friend was of the opinion, that the world wide web model was an accurate portrayal of the future. That call control would find its way to the appropriate application server (by proxy ;<) ). From there features and functions would be available."

"I recently put a paper online in the VoIP community that was sort of a survey document of some of the thoughts and opinions on the whole issue of net Neutrality. As yet, I've not come out with a strong opinion either way."

"There's a lot of buzz on the 'Net yesterday and today about the FCC's current thinking on the Universal Service Fund and VoIP. While id doesn't impact enterprise business directly, VoIP service providers have a clear interest in what comes of this."

"The world of the 'stupid network' HTTP-based Web is rather different from the 'stupid network' faux-circuit SIP-based VoIP."

"Ok, kidding aside, in all seriousness, what is Kevin Martin thinking? VoIP is an application that runs over IP networks, including the Internet. If you're going to start taxing Voice over IP, why not tax email over IP (as Bill Gates once suggested), instant messaging over IP, or web traffic over IP, or any other application that rides on the Internet."

"At this point it is beyond ludicrous to have VoIP providers pay into the USF. VoIP is just an application. It makes much more sense to have broadband providers pay into the USF."

"Godell believes this technology gap will protect the mobile carriers until at least 2008 or 2009. Before that, the capacity of radio networks will be insufficient to pose a threat, and the number of VoIP-enabled terminals will be limited."

"Spies have long transmitted encrypted codes over shortwave radios as a way to send secret messages. Now it appears that VoIP may be replacing shortwave as the transmission medium of choice for spooks."

"Thankfully, those who don't know all the ins and outs about VoIP are in safe hands. Over the next few weeks this site is going to fill in all the blanks and show you exactly why the industry is buzzing about VoIP and IP convergence."

Posted on June 05, 2006 at 05:17 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 02, 2006

Keep it Simple

The telephone is most likely one of the first pieces of technology you learned how to use. Even if you have never quite understood how it works, you know it's easy to handle. Pick it up, dial, talk, and that's about it. Even the set up of a typical landline takes all of about two seconds. That's why it's strange that many VoIP companies continue to sling technical jargon every chance they get, while they develop products that are complex and often difficult to set up for those who aren't gadget aficionados. The effects of this complexity have been considered by a number of sources. Network World featured a post that dealt with:

"...the issue of solving VoIP service problems particularly if you aren't a tech geek...Underlying the issue of whether VoIP can succeed is the problem that arises simply because communications products have become so complex..."

The writer goes on to cite the ever-growing trend of producing novel-length cell