Wireless provider Broadreach and net telephony firm Skype are rolling out their Ready To Talk service at 350 hotspots around the UK this week. Users will need a Skype account – downloadable for free – and they will then be able to make net calls via wi-fi without paying for net access.
Skype allows people to make free PC-based calls to other Skype users and users of the system can also make calls to landlines and mobiles for a small fee.
The system is gaining in popularity and now has 28 million users around the world.
BBC Article
Skype
Broadreach Networks
Ready To Talk
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While I have to agree that Skype is a good system – having used it before, it has arised that there is one flaw with it. A similar flaw to IM – that being it can only be used via account to account. I.e. Two people need the same application (skype) to talk to each other. The newest answer to solving this issue is PhoneGaim.
“There is nothing to configure, just launch it and you can start making calls. Skype on the other hand is a whole new network, with a new client and a new address book to manage.”
“Standards means choice, and choice is good for everyone. Everything about SIPphone and PhoneGaim is standards-based. Proprietary systems may look attractive in the short term, but in the long run standards win. Why? Because standards allow every hardware company, software developer and network to work to advance the industry. Proprietary systems instead are tied to the progress and fate of one company. If Skype users want to talk to a non-Skype user, they are out of luck. Nor can outside companies or individuals add cool new services, hardware or applications to Skype without their permission. This is definitely not the best way to drive innovation and growth on a platform.”
Find out more about PhoneGaim here:
http://www.sipphone.com/email/thecall10.html
March 3rd, 2005 at 7:53 pm
Hybrid phones hold promise of cellular, VoIP
Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/business/personaltech/articles/2005/03/07/hybrid_phones_hold_promise_of_cellular_voip?pg=full
March 8th, 2005 at 12:51 am