In a few weeks I’m moderating a panel called VoIP In A Wireless World at MuniWireless, the conference that has to be at the most perfect of all times for based on what I’m seeing.
My panel, which includes representatives from Earthlink, Tropos and BridgePort Networks will be an interactive discussion about how VoIP is a key part of the wireless companies’ strategy. That’s why this story on what is going on in Europe with VoIP in a Converged WiFi cloud world was so timely.
Having seen demonstrations at VON and CTIA, and most recently last week during GlobalComm of BridgePort Networks market leading true converged technology and the handsets from E28 and a Windows Mobile 5.0 device that already handle the both worlds, one device seemless handover, it’s clear to me that the mash up of IP with circuit switched cellular and new features that no one has seen in traditional cellular are only months, not years really away.
This also means that VoIP by wireless carriers is a play that will happen, but in the home, as they still remain concerned about data plans and running voice over their networks. That’s more a capacity and internal company political issue, but one that the MVNO’s like Helio are likely to run with. I suggest Helio because the troika of Helio, Earthlink and Boingo already have the high level relationships with Sprint to make this play here in the USA on multiple fronts, and will have the customers already in hand.
I’m sure Steve Howe of Earthlink and Todd Carothers of BridgePort will have a lot to say on this matter