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Mobile Voip

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Mobile VoIP

Mobile VoIP

Mobile VoIP or simply mVoIP is an extension of mobility to a Voice over IP network. Two types of communication are generally supported: cordless/DECT/PCS protocols for short range or campus communications where all base stations are linked into the same LAN, and wider area communications using 3G /4G protocols.

There are several methodologies by which a mobile handset can be integrated into a VoIP network. One implementation turns the mobile device into a standard SIP client, which then uses a data network to send and receive SIP messaging, and to send and receive RTP for the voice path. This methodology of turning a mobile handset into a standard SIP client requires that the mobile handset support, at minimum, high speed IP communications. In this application, standard VoIP protocols (typically SIP) are used over any broadband IP-capable wireless network connection such as EVDO rev A (which is symmetrical high speed — both high speed up and down), HSDPA, WiFi or WiMAX .

Another implementation of mobile integration uses a softswitch like gateway to bridge SIP and RTP into the mobile network's SS7 infrastructure. In this implementation, the mobile handset continues to operate as it always has (as a GSM or CDMA based device), but now it can be controlled by a SIP application server which can now provide advanced SIP based services to it. Several vendors offer this kind of capability today.

Mobile VoIP will require a compromise between economy and mobility. For example, Voice over Wi-Fi offers potentially free service but is only available within the coverage area of a single Wi-Fi Access Point. Cordless protocols offer excellent voice support and even support base station handoff, but require all base stations to communicate on one LAN as the handoff protocol is generally not supported by carriers or most devices.

High speed services from mobile operators using EVDO rev A or HSDPA may have better audio quality and capabilities for metropolitan-wide coverage including fast handoffs among mobile base stations, yet it will cost more than the typical Wi-Fi-based VoIP service.

As device manufacturers exploited more powerful processors and less costly memory, smartphones became capable of sending and receiving email, browsing the web (albeit at low rates) and allowing a user to watch TV. Mobile VoIP userswere predicted to exceed 100 million by 2012 and InStat projects 288 million subscribers by 2013. [ 1 ]

The mobile operator industry business model conflicts with the expectations of Internet users that access is free and fast without extra charges for visiting specific sites, however far away they may be hosted. Because of this, most innovations in mobile VoIP will likely come from campus and corporate networks, open source projects like Asterisk. and applications where the benefits are high enough to justify expensive experiments (medical, military, etc.).

Technologies

Mobile VoIP, like all VoIP, relies onSIP — the standard used by most VoIP services, and now being implemented on mobile handsets and smartphones and an increasing number of cordless phones.

UMA — the Unlicensed Mobile Access Generic Access Network allows VoIP to run over the GSM cellular backbone.

When moving between IP-based networks, as is typically the case for outdoor applications, two other protocols are required:

  • IEEE 802.21 handoff, permitting one network to do call setup and initial traffic, handing off to another when the first is about to fall out of range - the underlying network need not be IP-based, but typically the IP stream is guaranteed a certain Quality of Service (QoS) during the handoff process
  • IEEE 802.11u call initiation when the initial contact with a network is not one that the user has subscribed to or been in contact with before.

For indoor or campus (cordless phone equivalent) use, the IEEE P1905 protocol establishes QoS guarantees for home area networks: WiFi. Bluetooth. 3G. 4G and wired backbones using AC powerline networking/HomePlug/IEEE P1901. Ethernet and Power over Ethernet /IEEE 802.3af/IEEE 802.3at, MoCA and G.hn. In combination with IEEE 802.21. P1905 permits a call to be initiated on a wired phone and transferred to a wireless one and then resumed on a wired one, perhaps with additional capabilities such as videoconferencing in another room. In this case the use of mobile VoIP enables a continuous conversation that originates, and ends with, a wired terminal device.

An older technology, PCS base station handoff, specifies equivalent capabilities for cordless phones based on 800, 900, 2.4, 5.8 and DECT. While these capabilities were not widely implemented, they did provide the functional specification for handoff for modern IP-based telephony. A phone can in theory offer both PCS cordless and mobile VoIP and permit calls to be handed off from traditional cordless to cell and back to cordless if both the PCS and UMA/SIP/IEEE standards suites are implemented. Some specialized long distance cordless vendors like Senao attempted this but it has not generally caught on. A more popular approach has been full-spectrum handsets that can communicate with any wireless network including mobile VoIP, DECT and satellite phone networks, but which have limited handoff capabilities between networks. The intent of IEEE 802.21 and IEEE 802.11u is that they be added to such phones running iPhone. QNX. Android or other smartphone operating systems, yielding a phone that is capable of communicating with literally any digital network and maintaining a continuous call at high reliability at a low access cost.

Most VoIP vendors implement proprietary technologies that permit such handoff between equipment of their own manufacture, e.g. the Viera system from Panasonic. Typically providing mobility costs more, e.g. the Panasonic VoIP cordless phone system (KX-TGP) costs approximately three times more than its popular DECT PSTN equivalent (KX-TGA). Some companies, including Cisco, offer adapters for analog/DECT phones as alternatives to their expensive cordless.

Industry history

Early experiments proved that VoIP was practical and could be routed by Asterisk even on low end routers like the Linksys WRT54G. [3]. suggesting a mesh network (e.g. WDS ) composed of such cheap devices could similarly support roaming mobile VoIP phones. These experiments, and others for IP roaming such as Sputnik, were the beginning of the 5G protocol suite including IEEE 802.21 and IEEE 802.11u. At this time, most mobile operators attempted to restrict IP tethering and VoIP use on their networks, often by deliberately introducing high latency into data communications making it useless for voice traffic.

In the summer of 2006, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol ) stack was introduced and a VoIP client in Nokia E-series dual-mode Wi-Fi handsets (Nokia E60. Nokia E61. Nokia E70 ). The SIP stack and client have since been introduced in many more E and N-series dual-mode Wi-Fi handsets, most notably the Nokia N95 which has been very popular in Europe. Various services use these handsets.

In spring 2008 Nokia introduced a built in VoIP client to the mass market device (Nokia 6300i ) running Series 40 operating system. Since then other dualmode WiFi capable Series40 handsets have been equipped with integrated VoIP (Nokia 6260 Slide. Nokia X3-02, Nokia C3-01). Nokia maintains a list of all phones that have an integrated VoIP client in Forum Nokia. [ 2 ]

Aircell's battle with some companies allowing VoIP calls on flights is another example of the growing conflict of interest between incumbent operators and new VoIP operators. [ 3 ]

By January 2009 OpenWRT [4] was capable of supporting mobile VoIP applications via Asterisk running on a USB stick. As OpenWRT runs on most WiFi routers, this radically expanded the potential reach of mobile VoIP applications. Users reported acceptable results using G.729 codecs and connections to a "main NAT/Firewall router with a NAT=yes and canreinvite=no. As such, my asterisk will stay in the audio path and can't redirect the RTP media stream (audio) to go directly from the caller to the callee." Minor problems were also reported: "Whenever there is an I/O activities. i.e. reading the Flash space (mtdblockd process), this will create some hick-ups (or temporarily losing audio signals)." The combination of OpenWRT and Asterisk is intended as an open source replacement for proprietary PBXes .

The company xG Technology, Inc. had a mobile VoIP and data system operating in the license-free ISM 900 MHz band (902 MHz – 928 MHz). xMax is an end-to-end Internet Protocol (IP) system infrastructure that is currently deployed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [ 4 ]

The mainstreaming of VoIP in the small business market led to the introduction of more devices extending VoIP to business cordless users.

Panasonic introduced the KX-TGP base station supporting up to 6 cordless handsets [5]. essentially a VoIP complement to its popular KX-TGA analog phones which likewise support up to 4 cordless handsets. However, unlike the analog system which supports only four handsets in one "conference" on one line, the TGP supports 3 simultaneous network conversations and up to 8 SIP registrations (e.g. up to 8 DID lines or extensions), as well as an Ethernet pass-through port to hook up computers on the same drop. In its publicity Panasonic specifically mentions Digium (founded by the creator of Asterisk ), its product Switchvox and Asterisk itself.

Several router manufacturers including TRENDnet and Netgear released sub-$300 Power over Ethernet switches aimed at the VoIP market. Unlike industry standard switches that provided the full 30 watts of power per port, these allowed under 50 watts of power to all four PoE ports combined. This made them entirely suitable for VoIP and other low-power use (Motorola Canopy or security camera or WiFi APs) typical of a SOHO application, or supporting an 8-line PBX, especially in combination with a multi-line handset such as the Panasonic KX-TGP (which does not require a powered port).

Accordingly, by the end of 2011, for under US$3000 it was possible to build an office VoIP system based entirely on cordless technology capable of several hundred meters reach and on power-over-ethernet dedicated wired phones, with up to 8 DID lines and 3 simultaneous conversations per base station, with 24 handsets each capable of communicating on any subset of the 8 lines, plus an unlimited number of softphones running on computers and laptops and smartphones. This compared favourably to proprietary PBX technology especially as VoIP cordless was far cheaper than PBX cordless.

Cisco also released the SPA112, an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) to connect one or two standard RJ-11 telephones to an Ethernet, in November 2011, retailing for under US$50. This was a competitive response to major cordless vendors such as Panasonic moving into the business VoIP cordless market Cisco had long dominated, as it suppressed the market for the cordless makers' native VoIP phones and permitted Cisco to argue the business case to spend more on switches and less on terminal devices. However, this solution would not permit the analog phones to access every line of a multi-line PBX. only one hardwired line per phone.

As of late 2011, most cellular data networks were still extremely high latency and effectively useless for VoIP. IP-only providers such as Voipstream had begun to serve urban areas, and alternative approaches such as OpenBTS (open source GSM) were competing with mobile VoIP.

Software clients

MobileDialer, as they are termed, enable cell phones be turned into voip enabled devices to exploit and expose the Vo3G/Vowlan Functionalities of the phone.

MobileDialers are available for various Smartphone/PDA platforms:

  • Bulk MobileDialer for VOIP Companies. Companies like E-Soft Billing(SIP Mobile Dialer),Ascent Telecom (Endura Mobile Dialer), [ 5 ] REVE Systems (iTel Mobile Dialer Express), [ 6 ] adoresoft, etc. have released Mobile dialers which can be used by other VoIP Providers. REVE Systems, which is a premium VoIP solution provider company, claims that iTel Mobile Dialer Express, which is a Mobile Dialer application for Internet telephony service provider. supports largest range of Symbian Based Nokia handsets. iTel Mobile Dialer Express is also known as "lightest Mobile Dialer" in the industry is available for Symbian, [ 7 ] Windows [ 8 ] and Blackberry operating System based Mobile Phones.
  • Mobile Dialers available for retail end user. Many VoIP companies have started providing their customers with a mVoIP client/Mobile Dialer to use the product directly from the user's capable mobile phones. [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ]
  • 1legcall
  • AudioCodes
  • Bria Android Edition by CounterPath Corporation
  • Bria iPad Edition by CounterPath Corporation
  • Bria iPhone Edition by CounterPath Corporation
  • deltathree
  • EQO
  • iConnectHere
  • Jajah
  • Jaxtr
  • Mobivox
  • Morodo
  • Nimbuzz IM
  • Radvision
  • Rebtel
  • Skype
  • Line2 by Toktumi
  • Tru app
  • Vopium
  • Voxofon

Другие статьи, обзоры программ, новости

Mobile VoIP Provider for iPhone Android Apps -VoIPVoIP

Make free calls on your mobile phone What is Mobile VoIP?

Mobile VoIP is a new way of using your mobile phone by routing calls over the internet rather than via traditional mobile operators - thus cutting out the middle man and saving you money.

Mobile VoIP works wherever you have access to the internet via Wi-Fi or over 3G- and the availability of wireless connectivity is absolutely booming.

Mobile VoIP means being able to make free phone calls to other VoIPVoIP users or very cheap phone calls to anyone else in the world from your mobile phone.

This can mean your home, office, public areas or commercial hotspots (coffee shops, airports etc). You will be able to make free or VoIP-rate calls from your sofa or when visiting friends with Wi-Fi. Similarly, Mobile VoIP calls can be made from your office and other workplaces you visit.

Now with 3G, if you've got an unlimited (or 'all-you-can-eat') data tariff -but do note that cost, quality and availability of 3G services vary enormously- it is possible to talk for free walking down the street, it is also possible to run up a huge bill this way. Be sure to check both that your operator allows this and what your tariff is - especially when you're roaming overseas.

Calling Rates

Mobile VoIP service with Bring your Own Device and Pay-as-you-Go plan has no contract, no monthly fees, no setup fee or disconnection fee, no hidden fees and offers;

What phones does it work on? Android Phones

If you have one of the new Android phones you can use VoIPVoIP installing free VoIP SIP application like Sipdroid..

iPhone, iTouch, iPad

You can start using VoIPVoIP on your iPhone, iTouch or iPad installing SIP client apps from Apple store.

Nokia Phones Symbian Mobile Phones Windows Mobile Phones

If your phone has Windows mobile OS you can use VoIPVoIP installing free VoIP application like PortSIP or Fring.

Mobile voip

Для совершения звонков с сотового телефона необходимо установить на него специальную Java-программу MobileVOIP* и подключить телефон к Интернету любым способом (это может быть Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS, EDGE или UMTS).

*для всех операторов, кроме CallEasy.com, FastVoip.com, VoipBusterPro.com, Voipalot.com, Scydo.com. Эти операторы предлагают использовать собственные приложения.

Соединение осуществляется по типу Phone-To-Phone (DIRECTCALL). Как происходит расчет стоимости звонка, смотрите здесь.

Преимущества этого способа:
  • Вы звоните по низким ценам вашего VoIP-оператора
  • Не нужно никаких дополнительных настроек телефона
  • Вы можете звонить в любую точку мира в любом месте в любое время
  • Вы не используете сотовые минуты на звонки
  • MobileVOIP использует Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS, EDGE или UMTS. Вы можете выбрать нужный метод при запуске приложения

Пошаговая инструкция для установки MobileVOIP:

Зайдите на сайт Вашего оператора и выберите там загрузку мобильного приложения

Выберите тип телефона

Выберите один из двух вариантов загрузки приложения MobileVOIP:

1. Если Вы зашли на сайт с мобильного телефона, нажмите на иконку под надписью: Download the MobileVOIP app.

2. Если Вы зашли на сайт с компьютера, укажите Вашу страну и сотовый телефон. Вам будет выслано бесплатное SMS-сообщение со ссылкой для скачивания.

Чтобы совершить звонок, Вам необходимо прежде пополнить счет на 10 Евро или 10 Долларов, в зависимости от валюты счета Вашего оператора.

На нашем сайте Вы можете пополнить аккаунт Betamax/Dellmont в любой валюте.

Другие способы совершения звонка:

The Ultimate Guide To Mobile VoIP

The Ultimate Guide To Mobile VoIP

Mobile phones aren’t renowned for low price calls, far from it. If you’ve ever got the bill for receiving a few calls while out of the country, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Although international roaming charges are starting to come down from their lofty highs, especially in Europe, it’s still very expensive to call home or receive calls when away on a trip.

If you don’t have a call plan with inclusive international calls, then mobile VoIP is ideal for you. Even if you make frequent calls only to domestic mobiles and landlines, mobile VoIP can save you a bunch of cash.

What Is Mobile VoIP?

The Wikipedia defines mobile VoIP as follows:

VoIP Mobile or ‘Mobile Voice over Internet Protocol’ is the application of Voice over IP technology to mobile handsets.

In layman’s terms, mobile VoIP is a way for you to place calls from your mobile phone that connect with the recipient via the internet. The main benefit of mobile VoIP is the combination of flexibility and cost savings on domestic, and especially, international calls.

Are There Requirements For Mobile VoIP?

Yes, mobile VoIP does have some basic requirements. Obviously you’ll need a mobile phone, but it will also need to be a dual-mode phone with WiFi connectivity, 3G, HSDPA or EVDO. You’ll also need a data plan that will allow your mobile VoIP provider to connect to the internet and place the call.

Different mobile VoIP providers require different capabilities. For instance, a mobile VoIP service that uses WiFi will require you to be on a WiFi network in order to make a call. Other services will roam in the background for the best connection whether that be via WiFi or 3G and let you make a call.

Recommended Mobile VoIP Providers

  • Rebtel
Similar in terms of functionality to Jajah, Rebtel lets you make cheap domestic and international calls to landlines and mobiles by assigning landline numbers to contacts. When you set up a contact you give Rebtel their phone number, Rebtel then gives you a local landline number for them to store on your phone. Rebtel don’t serve every country in the world, but it does cover most of Europe and North America. If you put the time in to get it all setup, Rebtel will save you money. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some other mobile VoIP providers, but what it does, it does well.
  • EQO There has been quite a bit of buzz around EQO, and for good reason. Setting up EQO is a breeze, download it to your phone and sign in. Once you have logged in you’ll see all the contacts you have stored in your account, text messages and IM networks. Calls to domestic and international landlines and mobiles are cheap, as are text messages. You can IM for free with contacts on AIM, Yahoo. MSN, Google Talk, Jabber and ICQ. If you can get your friends and family setup with EQO then you can call them free because calls to any other EQO user regardless of location are free. This is right up there with the best in mobile VoIP and comes highly recommended.
  • Gizmo Already a popular desktop softphone, you can run the SIP-compatible Gizmo on over 200 mobile phones from Nokia, Blackberry, Samsung and others. It’s a fairly simple software install on your mobile, which when setup allows you to IM contacts on Gizmo, Google Talk, Jabber, MSN, AIM and Jabber as well as send files to other Gizmo users. Calls to international numbers are cheap, SMS and MMS is also significantly cheaper. Calls work just like Jajah, the central server calls you and the recipient, which means both calls are incoming; hence the savings. The great thing about Gizmo is that you can have access to all your contacts whether you are at your computer or off globetrotting with your mobile!
  • fring While we’re not great fans of companies who are allergic to capital letters, we’ll forgive fring. So how does it work? It’s fairly simple really; download the fring application, install it on your mobile, setup your account and start calling people with VoIP over 3G, EDGE and WiFi networks. There is a degree of flexibility with fring that we love because you can IM or call contacts on Skype, Google Talk, MSN, Twitter, ICQ and it also works with SIP services like Gizmo. Furthermore, fring will roam seamlessly between available 3G, EDGE and WiFi networks so you get optimal performance. Calls to your contacts, landlines and mobiles are extremely cheap with fring. You can use fring on mobiles running Symbian and Windows Mobile.
  • Jajah This is a fully web-based mobile VoIP solution that has caught the attention of many users. To use Jajah Mobile simply fire up your mobile browser, visit their site, login and you’ll have access to all the numbers stored in your Jajah address book; it’s then just a matter of click to call. Once you select who you wish to call, your phone will ring, the recipient’s phone starts to ring, you both pick up and start talking. Calls to landlines and mobiles are indeed cheap, but the clincher is that calls to other Jajah contacts are completely free no matter where they are. Jajah is an elegant solution to mobile VoIP, we highly recommend it.
  • Mobiboo Developed in the UK, Mobiboo runs on your mobile and affords you cheap calls to international landlines and cheap domestic calls to landlines and mobiles. Admittedly Mobiboo does not have the feature set of some of the others, but it is worth a look at if you have got a dual-mode phone capable of connecting to WiFi networks. If you live or work in an area with good WiFi coverage, then it is worth having a look to save some cash on your calls.
  • Nimbuzz Founded in the Neherlands and having received major funding, Nimbuzz is an application that is downloaded and installed on your mobile phone. You can then IM and call contacts on MSN, Google Talk and Skype thanks to their technology. Although IM is free, calls are not. However, international calls are cheap because Nimbuzz will call their local switch, which routes the call over the internet to the recipient.
  • Skype Mobile Skype was arguably the application that kicked the whole VoIP revolution off, in the mainstream anyway. So for a long time we’ve been using Skype on our computers, now you can use it on your mobile and get all the benefits. You can download and install Skype Mobile on Windows Mobile and Pocket PC. There are also many WiFi phones available that work with Skype, so if you live and / or work in an area covered with WiFi this is a very good option. However, you will forsake the flexibility offered by some of the competing mobile VoIP services in that you won’t be able to chat or call contacts from other Google Talk, MSN etc.
  • Truphone Out of all the mobile VoIP services out there, Truphone is perhaps the most well known. Based in the UK, Truphone is an application that you download and install on your phone. This application works a bit of magic to route calls from your mobile across the internet where WiFi is available. You’ll need a dual-mode phone that can connect to WiFi hotspots for this to work. The upshot? With Truphone mobile VoIP you get free calls to mobiles in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Singapore, cheap calls to mobiles in the EU and, off course, free calls to other Truphone users. There is also no setup cost; just download, find a wireless network and start making calls.
  • Woize

    While not as fully featured as some of the other mobile VoIP providers listed here, Woize is a good solution for a light user just wanting to save money. As with many of the others, Woize is a software application that is installed on your Windows Mobile or Pocket PC phone. Woize will route calls over the internet once connected to a WiFi network. Calls to landlines and mobiles are cheap, calls to other Woize contacts are free.

  • Mobile VoIP is awesome, but it does have negatives. First of all, some of the most popular mobile VoIP providers require a WiFi internet connection, which isn’t so handy when you are out of town. As well as this, WiFi networks can be patchy, although their signals can be improved. Furthermore, calls may be cheap or even free, but mobile VoIP does require a data plan.

    Pseudo-mobile VoIP

    If you do not have a mobile phone capable of running a mobile VoIP application or you don’t have WiFi or mobile broadband, then there is another option: the humble laptop and softphone combination. It also doesn’t matter what OS you are running either; there are softphones for Windows. Mac OS X and Linux .

    Why You Should Care

    While VoIP has yet to catch on with the masses at work or in the home, statistics suggest that mobile VoIP is set to grow massively in popularity. Mobile carriers offer various tariffs with a set number of free minutes per month, but excess calls are very expensive. Mobile VoIP will change all that with huge savings on calls to landlines and mobiles, both domestic and international.

    Just like the free computer to computer calls we’ve all become so familiar with, mobile VoIP promises free mobile calls to contacts using the same mobile VoIP provider.

    Five Best Mobile VoIP Apps

    Five Best Mobile VoIP Apps

    If you want to save some money on your wireless bill, ditch your minutes and use a mobile VoIP app to make your calls. It's not difficult, and many are either free or low-cost depending on who you call. Here are five of the best VoIP apps for your smartphone, based on your nominations.

    Earlier in the week we asked you for your favorite mobile VoIP apps we asked you for your favorite mobile VoIP apps. You weighed in with tons of great options, way more than we have room to highlight here, so make sure you head back to the call for contenders if you don't see your favorite listed here. With that aside, here are the five that got the most nominations and made it to this round, in no particular order:

    Free calling on your smartphone isn't too difficult to come by. In many cases, all you need is … Read more Read more

    If you send more text and photo messages with your smartphone than you actually place calls, you… Read more Read more

    Those of you who nominated Viber praised the service's mobile apps for moving between Wi-Fi and 3G/EDGE networks without dropping calls, great audio quality even in coverage-poor areas, and the fact that it's features are the same regardless of the mobile OS you choose. Pricing for international calls is as good as domestic, too, so you don't have to spend a ton of money to talk to people abroad. The app even integrates with your existing contact list. Read more in its nomination thread here .

    Google Hangouts

    Google Hangouts is at an interesting place in development where it can offer you free calling for some users, but not for others. For example, the iOS app includes the ability to place voice or video calls over Wi-Fi or data to anyone else who uses Hangouts, but Android users can only place video calls over data networks—voice calls get routed back to your carrier. Even so, Hangouts made an appearance when we talked about great free texting apps. and it's right to be back here too—it supports Android, iOS, and you can even take and make voice and video calls from your computer. Even outgoing calls is a snap, and you can place outgoing voice or video calls right from your computer. As always, if you're calling another Hangouts user, everything is completely free. If you're calling someone's landline or mobile phone directly, your calls are free domestically, and internationally you'll be subject to Google Voice in Hangouts' rates. which are low (starting at 2 cents/min) depending on who you need to call.

    Making Calls Through Your Mobile Phone Using VoIP

    Mobile VoIP Services

    Nadeem is an ICT enthusiast, specializing in technical writing, software development and wireless networking. He has been a lecturer on various computer-related subjects since 2001. He is also very conversant with latest technologies, including IP telephony.

    Updated December 15, 2014.

    Description:

    Mobile telephony has an important role in our modern world. VoIP would fail if it stayed wired. Most VoIP users are now scrutinizing the pipeline for services that will allow them to conveniently make free or cheap calls using their mobile phones. anywhere. A few mobile VoIP services have emerged, pioneering into a promising industry.

    VoIP has to use IP networks like Wi-Fi. 3G. WiMax, GPRS, EDGE etc. This is the main obstacle barring the way to seamless free VoIP telephony. Yes, if you want to make free calls using your mobile (as with your PC), you need to find a wireless way of connecting to the Internet. A data plan for mobile phones is very often required, if you are under a Wi-Fi hotspot. There is a way to still use VoIP services through GSM networks, but the GSM part remains charged at the local mobile rate.

    For using mobile VoIP. you need to have a mobile phone that is compatible with the service you choose, download and install a softphone. and use it to make and receive free calls to and from your buddies who have the same service (see Yeigo and Fring ).

    Other companies have pioneered in saddling VoIP over GSM itself (see Packet8's MobileTalk ), and in embedding VoIP functionality into a SIM card (see Yackie Mobile ).

    You could call through VoIP on your mobile phone just like you would on a PC, but through a wireless network. So, basically it can be as free as with software based VoIP service. as long as you call people using the same service on their PC or mobile phone. But your cost will not always be nil since you need connection through a wireless service - a data plan (which is not free, in most places).

    Continue Reading Below

    WiFi can be free in hotspots or at home - if you have a wireless router showering your house with Internet connection from your ADSL line. But then still, you need to have a mobile phone that has WiFi connectivity.

    Typical users:

    Anyone that has a need for mobile telephony (who hasn't?), and who wants to cut down the cost of this expensive way of communication. It can prove to be more profitable for heavy mobile users like business people and travelers.

    • The need of a data plan or a wireless network, to connect your mobile device to the Internet
    • Mobile VoIP services are not compatible with all mobile models.
    • Call quality is not always very good, due to the wireless carriers.

    Read more:

    See other types of VoIP service

    Mobile VoIP

    Ask a question

    by maxrva Wed 09 of Dec, 2015

    Mobile VoIP is an efficient, low-cost way to communicate using your cell phone and the services provided by your home or business VoIP provider.

    How Does Mobile VoIP Work?

    Mobile VoIP works with a cell phone’s 3G, 4G, GSM, or other Internet service to send voice calls as digital signals over the Internet using voice over IP technology. Mobile VoIP phones can also take advantage of WiFi hotspots to eliminate the calling costs of a cellular voice or data plan.

    Page Contents

    By using VoIP, mobile VoIP phone users — especially smartphone users — can benefit from lower costs when calling, texting, or other common smartphone activities. Digital data transmission using VoIP is also typically faster, as the data is spread out over multiple packets, each taking the fastest route to its intended destination.

    Using a mobile VoIP phone with WiFi hotspot access can also reduce a mobile VoIP phone user's costs by sidestepping the carrier's expensive 3G service altogether. For instance, with a cellular carrier's monthly data plan, callers can easily exceed bandwidth maximums, incurring overage charges. Tapping into WiFi hotspots with mobile VoIP software reduces that risk and extends the lifespan of the monthly data allotment.

    A mobile VoIP phone service can eliminate the need for a basic voice plan, as well as optional (and costly) text add-ons. With a mobile VoIP phone, cell phone users can enjoy more flexibility in calling times than a cellular voice plan provides, with fewer restrictions. VoIP mobile phone service means that a mobile VoIP user can make unlimited inexpensive or free calls using voice over IP technology at any time.

    Mobile VoIP users don't need to worry about the limitations associated with cell phone calling plans, such as:

    • Anytime minutes
    • Night or weekend minutes
    • Rollover minutes
    • Roaming charges
    • Incoming call charges
    • Messaging limits
    • Mobile-to-mobile calling (check with your mobile VoIP provider, some do treat in-network calls differently)

    Mobile VoIP phone users can also take advantage of the additional, integrated features a mobile VoIP app supports. This includes high-bandwidth activities such as group chat and video chat. Accessing these functions without mobile VoIP software (by fring or Talkonaut, for instance), typically requires a separate app, and using it could impact or exceed monthly text and bandwidth maximums.

    Accessing Mobile VoIP

    Cell phone users can use mobile VoIP service on their phone with the addition of mobile VoIP software. These are apps offered by VoIP phone service providers customers may already be using at home or at work, such as Vonage, or standalone mobile VoIP apps such as Skype, Vyke, or Truphone.

    Some services, such as Truphone, also offer an entire mobile VoIP network by combining a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card and an app together. (The SIM card contains all the information needed to identify network subscribers.) One functions where the other doesn’t, depending on the circumstance, to offer a comprehensive mobile VoIP network service.

    To use this kind of mobile VoIP function, along with other similar services, you need an unlocked handset. Most mobile VoIP apps, however, piggyback onto your existing data plan and do not require unlocking.

    Benefits of Mobile VoIP

    Mobile VoIP phone users can benefit from voice over IP services to lower their monthly phone bills. Some cell phone users will take advantage of mobile VoIP phone service to eliminate their voice plans. Using mobile VoIP can result in a simple, data-plan-only relationship with your cell phone carrier. Choosing a data-only plan can result in significant savings.

    Benefits for Businesses

    Mobile VoIP phones are increasingly popular not only with individuals but also with businesses looking to streamline their operations and lower their overhead. Businesses with personnel on the road with company-issued cell phones find mobile VoIP service to be a cost-effective solution.

    Mobile VoIP phones can be used by individuals or by businesses to improve the quality, efficiency, and cost of their overall communications. Businesses and individuals save money on international calls when using mobile VoIP phones. Country-to-country calls are billed at inexpensive local area rates, and the business traveler or tourist isn’t slammed with roaming charges.

    Using a mobile VoIP app or mobile VoIP service can also add greater functionality to your cell phone. Mobile VoIP apps can also add new and useful features such as group chat, video chat, or 4-way calling. These features can be useful tools in business communications.

    Mobile VoIP Apps

    The number of apps that you can use to transform your mobile phone into a VoIP mobile phone is astronomical, and growing every day. There are apps (some used in conjunction with a SIM card) for every major smartphone OS — even Blackberry.

    Other mobile VoIP apps work with more traditional "dumbphones," although they may not offer the more robust features available with smartphone mobile VoIP apps (such as video chat).

    Many VoIP apps are available for free download online, such as from the Android Market or the software producer’s website, or from the iTunes store. Others are available for a small, one-time fee.

    These are just some of the mobile VoIP apps that work with the two major smartphones.

    Mobile VoIP Apps for iPhone and Android:
    • (Full list of Apple iPhone VoIP and Android VoIP apps)
    • Skylar Brotecs Technologies is releasing Next Generation Highly Secured Smart SIP Soft-Phone for iOS and Android. FREE version Skylar Lite is available.
    • Acrobits Softphone and Groundwire
    • Skype (also Symbian)
    • Shifatel - Mobile VoIP Dialer.
    • fring (also Symbian)
    • Rebtel
    • 3CXPhone (also Windows)
    • BBee (iPhone and Android) :http://www.bbee.me
    • mobileVOIP (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • FonB - Mobility for Asterisk: http://www.aptus.com
    • Viber
    • Libon. http://www.libon.com
    • Line2
    • Vyke (also Symbian, Blackberry)
    • netTALK (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • FriendCaller
    • Bobsled
    • Vopium
    • Truphone
    • Octro
    • Acrobits
    • A2Billing SIP Dialer
    • Skuku (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • Talkonaut (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • Raketu (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Voxofon (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • MO-Call (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Nimbuzz (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Bria
    • Media5-fone
    • Mobisip
    • Vippie Mobile (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Tango (also Windows)
    • Localphone
    • Sipmobile - Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications for longer battery life, click here Picture sharing.
    • Mobile VoIP Dialer for iPhone and Android - MoSIP is a SIP based mobile application that allows mobile users to make calls to any part of the world using its simple, yet sophisticated features. With more than 8 million downloads from different app stores.
    iOS Mobile VoIP Apps

    These mobile VoIP apps work with the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch:

    • Skylar - Next Generation Highly Secured Smart SIP Soft-Phone for iOS.
    • Acrobits Softphone and Groundwire
    • Talkatone
    • iCall
    • Zoiper (also for Windows)
    • Groundwire
    • Wifone
    • Whistle Phone
    • MontyCall
    • Sipmobile iOS - Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications for longer battery life, Picture sharing.
    • Mobile Dialer for iPhone
    Android-only Mobile VoIP Apps
    • Best Mobile Dialer for Android
    • SECUMOBI - Made in Sweden. Encrypted VOIP for private groups and secure International conference calls communication solutions. Hardware based MicroSD encryption VOIP solutions for mobile Android calls and text chat messaging. SECUMOBI is the only encrypted hardware communication solution with best voice over IP quality ECC 384 and AES 256. Also available for Nokia Symbian 9.3. E52 and E72. Certified by FIPS and IAL 7
    • Skylar - Next Generation Highly Secured Smart SIP Soft-Phone for Android.
    • sipdroid
    • MizuDroid
    • TalkYou
    • CSipSimple
    • Sipmobile Android - Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications for longer battery life, Picture sharing.
    Mobile VoIP Apps for the Blackberry
    • Mobile VoIP Dialer for Blackberry
    • SECUMOBI - Made in Sweden. Encrypted VOIP for private groups and secure International conference calls communication solutions. Hardware based MicroSD encryption VOIP solutions for mobile Blackberry BB calls and text chat messaging. SECUMOBI is the only encrypted hardware communication solution with best voice over IP quality ECC 384 and AES 256. Also available for Nokia Symbian 9.3. E52 and E72. Certified by FIPS and IAL 7
    • BlackBerry VoIP
    • Vonage for BlackBerry
    • Taki
    • TringMe
    • eSky
    Windows Mobile VoIP Apps
    • Mobile VoIP Dialer for Windows
    • SECUMOBI - Made in Sweden. Encrypted VOIP for private groups and secure International conference calls communication solutions. Hardware based MicroSD encryption VOIP solutions for mobile or desktop Windows calls and text chat messaging. SECUMOBI is the only encrypted hardware communication solution with best voice over IP quality ECC 384 and AES 256. Also available for Nokia Symbian 9.3. E52 and E72. Certified by FIPS and IAL 7
    • VoipCall v0.1
    • PortGo
    • WNM Live (also iPhone)
    • Sipmobile for Windows Phone Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications, Picture sharing.

    Check with these apps to ensure your mobile phone’s OS is supported. Additionally, there is mobile VOIP software for all sorts of Internet-connected phone models (even if they aren’t smartphones). Nimbuzz, for instance, supports hundreds of phones. Barablu also supports a wide variety of phone makes and models. Check with the mobile softphone maker to find out more.

    Remember to review the terms of the mobile VoIP provider’s ‘free calling’ feature. Some mobile VoIP services, including Skype and Viber, support free in-network US and international long distance only; regular cell phone rates apply for out-of-network calls. Also, be aware that some mobile VoIP softphone makers, such as Talkatone, explicitly state that their service is not intended for time-sensitive, critical phone calls to emergency services.

    Mobile VoIP SDKs
    • Sinch - SDKs for iOS, Android, JaaScript, and backend APIs to add Mobile VoIP into apps
    Mobile VoIP Extensions

    Many home and business VoIP service providers, such as Vonage or Nextiva, also offer service extensions to accommodate their customers’ cell phones. In most cases, this extra feature is free and offers the same plan details. (Unlimited calling at home translates to unlimited calling on your VoIP mobile phone.)

    Some of the VoIP service providers offering mobile VoIP extensions (used solely in conjunction with their regular residential- or business-based subscription service) are:

    For many VoIP service customers, using their home- or business-based VoIP service on their mobile phone just means downloading a mobile VoIP softphone app. With a mobile VoIP phone integrated with their home- or business-based VoIP calling plan, mobile VoIP users can enjoy the same low rates wherever they go.

    Vonage, Vocalocity and ITP offer apps for the Android and iPhone. RingCentral offers apps for the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. Phone Power and ViaTalk currently have an iPhone app only. Business-focused 8x8 produces an app that works with many major smartphone makes and models, including Blackberry and and Treo.

    Some voice over IP service providers, such as Vonage, have made things even simpler: You can register an office or mobile phone with the VoIP provider. The added phone does not even have to be a phone with an Internet connection. To make calls at the lower VoIP calling rate using that phone, you simply dial an access number first.

    Mobile VoIP Phones

    As mobile VoIP usage increases and more people make the switch to VoIP technology and lower monthly phone bills, innovative new services continue to arrive on the scene. One of the most recent developments is something called VoWiFi, or VoIP WiFi — VoIP using WiFi hotspots only.

    VoWiFi, wireless VoIP, has inspired some cell phone makers (including Google, which produces the Android) to create hybrid handsets, or WiFi cell phones: Truly mobile VoIP phones support cellular networks and VoIP simultaneously.

    Mobile VoIP phones designed to operate on a mixed or blended network do not need softphones installed. The functionality is built in, so no VoIP mobile app is required.

    The default network protocol when using a dedicated mobile VoIP phone will be VoIP using WiFi. However, whenever WiFi coverage is lacking or weak, the VoIP mobile phone will switch over to a cellular signal.

    The objective of the dual-mode mobile VoIP phone is to keep the caller from noticing the signal switch — no dropped calls or other interruptions. With sporadic WiFi hotspot access, especially when the caller is moving, a smooth transition between signal types (and sustained call coverage) is critical.

    Cell phone makers such as Nokia, Motorola and Google have already been producing dual-mode VoIP mobile phones. New carriers such as Republic Wireless. with its LG mobile VoIP phone, are now offering low-cost, unlimited monthly data plans: Republic Wireless offers a Hybrid Calling plan with a $199 setup fee for an LG Optimus phone and one month of free calling, and $19/month unlimited use after that.

    With a VoIP mobile phone, unlimited use means every function is included: Calling, texting, emailing, browsing (including high-bandwidth media), and chatting.

    Mobile VoIP is an efficient, low-cost way to communicate using your cell phone and the services provided by your home or business VoIP provider.

    How Does Mobile VoIP Work?

    Mobile VoIP works with a cell phone’s 3G, 4G, GSM, or other Internet service to send voice calls as digital signals over the Internet using voice over IP technology. Mobile VoIP phones can also take advantage of WiFi hotspots to eliminate the calling costs of a cellular voice or data plan.

    Page Contents

    By using VoIP, mobile VoIP phone users — especially smartphone users — can benefit from lower costs when calling, texting, or other common smartphone activities. Digital data transmission using VoIP is also typically faster, as the data is spread out over multiple packets, each taking the fastest route to its intended destination.

    Using a mobile VoIP phone with WiFi hotspot access can also reduce a mobile VoIP phone user's costs by sidestepping the carrier's expensive 3G service altogether. For instance, with a cellular carrier's monthly data plan, callers can easily exceed bandwidth maximums, incurring overage charges. Tapping into WiFi hotspots with mobile VoIP software reduces that risk and extends the lifespan of the monthly data allotment.

    A mobile VoIP phone service can eliminate the need for a basic voice plan, as well as optional (and costly) text add-ons. With a mobile VoIP phone, cell phone users can enjoy more flexibility in calling times than a cellular voice plan provides, with fewer restrictions. VoIP mobile phone service means that a mobile VoIP user can make unlimited inexpensive or free calls using voice over IP technology at any time.

    Mobile VoIP users don't need to worry about the limitations associated with cell phone calling plans, such as:

    • Anytime minutes
    • Night or weekend minutes
    • Rollover minutes
    • Roaming charges
    • Incoming call charges
    • Messaging limits
    • Mobile-to-mobile calling (check with your mobile VoIP provider, some do treat in-network calls differently)

    Mobile VoIP phone users can also take advantage of the additional, integrated features a mobile VoIP app supports. This includes high-bandwidth activities such as group chat and video chat. Accessing these functions without mobile VoIP software (by fring or Talkonaut, for instance), typically requires a separate app, and using it could impact or exceed monthly text and bandwidth maximums.

    Accessing Mobile VoIP

    Cell phone users can use mobile VoIP service on their phone with the addition of mobile VoIP software. These are apps offered by VoIP phone service providers customers may already be using at home or at work, such as Vonage, or standalone mobile VoIP apps such as Skype, Vyke, or Truphone.

    Some services, such as Truphone, also offer an entire mobile VoIP network by combining a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card and an app together. (The SIM card contains all the information needed to identify network subscribers.) One functions where the other doesn’t, depending on the circumstance, to offer a comprehensive mobile VoIP network service.

    To use this kind of mobile VoIP function, along with other similar services, you need an unlocked handset. Most mobile VoIP apps, however, piggyback onto your existing data plan and do not require unlocking.

    Benefits of Mobile VoIP

    Mobile VoIP phone users can benefit from voice over IP services to lower their monthly phone bills. Some cell phone users will take advantage of mobile VoIP phone service to eliminate their voice plans. Using mobile VoIP can result in a simple, data-plan-only relationship with your cell phone carrier. Choosing a data-only plan can result in significant savings.

    Benefits for Businesses

    Mobile VoIP phones are increasingly popular not only with individuals but also with businesses looking to streamline their operations and lower their overhead. Businesses with personnel on the road with company-issued cell phones find mobile VoIP service to be a cost-effective solution.

    Mobile VoIP phones can be used by individuals or by businesses to improve the quality, efficiency, and cost of their overall communications. Businesses and individuals save money on international calls when using mobile VoIP phones. Country-to-country calls are billed at inexpensive local area rates, and the business traveler or tourist isn’t slammed with roaming charges.

    Using a mobile VoIP app or mobile VoIP service can also add greater functionality to your cell phone. Mobile VoIP apps can also add new and useful features such as group chat, video chat, or 4-way calling. These features can be useful tools in business communications.

    Mobile VoIP Apps

    The number of apps that you can use to transform your mobile phone into a VoIP mobile phone is astronomical, and growing every day. There are apps (some used in conjunction with a SIM card) for every major smartphone OS — even Blackberry.

    Other mobile VoIP apps work with more traditional "dumbphones," although they may not offer the more robust features available with smartphone mobile VoIP apps (such as video chat).

    Many VoIP apps are available for free download online, such as from the Android Market or the software producer’s website, or from the iTunes store. Others are available for a small, one-time fee.

    These are just some of the mobile VoIP apps that work with the two major smartphones.

    Mobile VoIP Apps for iPhone and Android:
    • (Full list of Apple iPhone VoIP and Android VoIP apps)
    • Skylar Brotecs Technologies is releasing Next Generation Highly Secured Smart SIP Soft-Phone for iOS and Android. FREE version Skylar Lite is available.
    • Acrobits Softphone and Groundwire
    • Skype (also Symbian)
    • Shifatel - Mobile VoIP Dialer.
    • fring (also Symbian)
    • Rebtel
    • 3CXPhone (also Windows)
    • BBee (iPhone and Android) :http://www.bbee.me
    • mobileVOIP (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • FonB - Mobility for Asterisk: http://www.aptus.com
    • Viber
    • Libon. http://www.libon.com
    • Line2
    • Vyke (also Symbian, Blackberry)
    • netTALK (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • FriendCaller
    • Bobsled
    • Vopium
    • Truphone
    • Octro
    • Acrobits
    • A2Billing SIP Dialer
    • Skuku (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • Talkonaut (also Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows)
    • Raketu (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Voxofon (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • MO-Call (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Nimbuzz (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Bria
    • Media5-fone
    • Mobisip
    • Vippie Mobile (also Blackberry and Windows)
    • Tango (also Windows)
    • Localphone
    • Sipmobile - Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications for longer battery life, click here Picture sharing.
    • Mobile VoIP Dialer for iPhone and Android - MoSIP is a SIP based mobile application that allows mobile users to make calls to any part of the world using its simple, yet sophisticated features. With more than 8 million downloads from different app stores.
    iOS Mobile VoIP Apps

    These mobile VoIP apps work with the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch:

    • Skylar - Next Generation Highly Secured Smart SIP Soft-Phone for iOS.
    • Acrobits Softphone and Groundwire
    • Talkatone
    • iCall
    • Zoiper (also for Windows)
    • Groundwire
    • Wifone
    • Whistle Phone
    • MontyCall
    • Sipmobile iOS - Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications for longer battery life, Picture sharing.
    • Mobile Dialer for iPhone
    Android-only Mobile VoIP Apps
    • Best Mobile Dialer for Android
    • SECUMOBI - Made in Sweden. Encrypted VOIP for private groups and secure International conference calls communication solutions. Hardware based MicroSD encryption VOIP solutions for mobile Android calls and text chat messaging. SECUMOBI is the only encrypted hardware communication solution with best voice over IP quality ECC 384 and AES 256. Also available for Nokia Symbian 9.3. E52 and E72. Certified by FIPS and IAL 7
    • Skylar - Next Generation Highly Secured Smart SIP Soft-Phone for Android.
    • sipdroid
    • MizuDroid
    • TalkYou
    • CSipSimple
    • Sipmobile Android - Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications for longer battery life, Picture sharing.
    Mobile VoIP Apps for the Blackberry
    • Mobile VoIP Dialer for Blackberry
    • SECUMOBI - Made in Sweden. Encrypted VOIP for private groups and secure International conference calls communication solutions. Hardware based MicroSD encryption VOIP solutions for mobile Blackberry BB calls and text chat messaging. SECUMOBI is the only encrypted hardware communication solution with best voice over IP quality ECC 384 and AES 256. Also available for Nokia Symbian 9.3. E52 and E72. Certified by FIPS and IAL 7
    • BlackBerry VoIP
    • Vonage for BlackBerry
    • Taki
    • TringMe
    • eSky
    Windows Mobile VoIP Apps
    • Mobile VoIP Dialer for Windows
    • SECUMOBI - Made in Sweden. Encrypted VOIP for private groups and secure International conference calls communication solutions. Hardware based MicroSD encryption VOIP solutions for mobile or desktop Windows calls and text chat messaging. SECUMOBI is the only encrypted hardware communication solution with best voice over IP quality ECC 384 and AES 256. Also available for Nokia Symbian 9.3. E52 and E72. Certified by FIPS and IAL 7
    • VoipCall v0.1
    • PortGo
    • WNM Live (also iPhone)
    • Sipmobile for Windows Phone Secure communications (TLS,SRTP), Support for Opus, SILK, VP8 codecs, Push notifications, Picture sharing.

    Check with these apps to ensure your mobile phone’s OS is supported. Additionally, there is mobile VOIP software for all sorts of Internet-connected phone models (even if they aren’t smartphones). Nimbuzz, for instance, supports hundreds of phones. Barablu also supports a wide variety of phone makes and models. Check with the mobile softphone maker to find out more.

    Remember to review the terms of the mobile VoIP provider’s ‘free calling’ feature. Some mobile VoIP services, including Skype and Viber, support free in-network US and international long distance only; regular cell phone rates apply for out-of-network calls. Also, be aware that some mobile VoIP softphone makers, such as Talkatone, explicitly state that their service is not intended for time-sensitive, critical phone calls to emergency services.

    Mobile VoIP SDKs
    • Sinch - SDKs for iOS, Android, JaaScript, and backend APIs to add Mobile VoIP into apps
    Mobile VoIP Extensions

    Many home and business VoIP service providers, such as Vonage or Nextiva, also offer service extensions to accommodate their customers’ cell phones. In most cases, this extra feature is free and offers the same plan details. (Unlimited calling at home translates to unlimited calling on your VoIP mobile phone.)

    Some of the VoIP service providers offering mobile VoIP extensions (used solely in conjunction with their regular residential- or business-based subscription service) are:

    For many VoIP service customers, using their home- or business-based VoIP service on their mobile phone just means downloading a mobile VoIP softphone app. With a mobile VoIP phone integrated with their home- or business-based VoIP calling plan, mobile VoIP users can enjoy the same low rates wherever they go.

    Vonage, Vocalocity and ITP offer apps for the Android and iPhone. RingCentral offers apps for the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. Phone Power and ViaTalk currently have an iPhone app only. Business-focused 8x8 produces an app that works with many major smartphone makes and models, including Blackberry and and Treo.

    Some voice over IP service providers, such as Vonage, have made things even simpler: You can register an office or mobile phone with the VoIP provider. The added phone does not even have to be a phone with an Internet connection. To make calls at the lower VoIP calling rate using that phone, you simply dial an access number first.

    Mobile VoIP Phones

    As mobile VoIP usage increases and more people make the switch to VoIP technology and lower monthly phone bills, innovative new services continue to arrive on the scene. One of the most recent developments is something called VoWiFi, or VoIP WiFi — VoIP using WiFi hotspots only.

    VoWiFi, wireless VoIP, has inspired some cell phone makers (including Google, which produces the Android) to create hybrid handsets, or WiFi cell phones: Truly mobile VoIP phones support cellular networks and VoIP simultaneously.

    Mobile VoIP phones designed to operate on a mixed or blended network do not need softphones installed. The functionality is built in, so no VoIP mobile app is required.

    The default network protocol when using a dedicated mobile VoIP phone will be VoIP using WiFi. However, whenever WiFi coverage is lacking or weak, the VoIP mobile phone will switch over to a cellular signal.

    The objective of the dual-mode mobile VoIP phone is to keep the caller from noticing the signal switch — no dropped calls or other interruptions. With sporadic WiFi hotspot access, especially when the caller is moving, a smooth transition between signal types (and sustained call coverage) is critical.

    Cell phone makers such as Nokia, Motorola and Google have already been producing dual-mode VoIP mobile phones. New carriers such as Republic Wireless. with its LG mobile VoIP phone, are now offering low-cost, unlimited monthly data plans: Republic Wireless offers a Hybrid Calling plan with a $199 setup fee for an LG Optimus phone and one month of free calling, and $19/month unlimited use after that.

    With a VoIP mobile phone, unlimited use means every function is included: Calling, texting, emailing, browsing (including high-bandwidth media), and chatting.