BT, the UK’s largest fixed line carrier, is about to launch a converged handset that can connect via Bluetooth and GSM – code named, the Bluephone.
In other words, you’ll be able to make calls via your landline (via Bluetooth) when you’re in range – like cordless phones work today. But when you move out of range, the GSM network will take over.
Ben Verwaayen, BT’s CEO, hinted that a launch was imminent, so no details yet. But I’d guess that the call handover process won’t be seamless – you’ll have to hang up and re-dial. But actually, in this context, I don’t see that as a major problem. It’s obviously different if you’re walking down a street and expect the handset to keep finding the best network GSM –>wi-fi –>GSM, as an example.
Speaking of which BT are also working on a wi-fi phone too.
This means that the vision of one phone for each person is not so far away. That phone will be able to select the best network to make the phone call, whether it be your domestic or work landline, mobile operator network or coffee shop wi-fi, for instance.
One phone to rule them all.
Of course, that raises a whole new set of issues, not the east of what “best” is. Is it best quality? Best price? Or combination thereof? And if so, how much are you prepared to sacrifice quality for cost?
One of the angles I believe carriers should be focusing on to defend against VoIP (though they need to be launching their own VoIP services too) is quality. VoIP is patchy (at the moment anyway) and I’d be emphasizing that if a call is important, you don’t want to be seen as a cheapskate.
In other words, if you’re the kind of person/company that takes clients to lunch at Mom’s* Greasy Burger and Fries Joint, VoIP may be an option. But if you want to be seen to be successful, pay the few cents it takes to make a proper call.
If you’re the kind of person who phones your Mom (on her day off from frying) and wants her to keep saying “what? sorry? speak up Son, I can’t hear you, can’t you afford a proper call…”, go ahead and VoIP.
*”Never play cards with a man called Doc. Never eat at a place called Mom’s. Never sleep with a woman whose troubles are worse than your own.” Nelson Algren.
Story source: ZD Net
—–>Follow us on Twitter too: @russellbuckley and @caaarlo
Recent Comments