Vonage Introduces Portable VoIP Device
June 30th, 2006 - Posted in VoIP, WirelessInternet phone provider Vonage aims to put VoIP in the palm of your hand with a new device that lets you use any PC with a USB port to make calls to other computers or to traditional landlines.
The keychain-style V-Phone comes loaded with Vonage’s VoIP software and features 256 MB of storage to boot, plus an earpiece microphone. To make calls, you simply plug in the device to any PC that has a broadband connection and launch the preloaded software.
Vonage sees the V-Phone as a workaround to the high costs associated with business travelers making phone calls from mobile phones. It also could come in handy for laptop-wielding students who could save some coin by using VoIP rather than mobile-phone services, the company contends.
Going Mobile
“This is a smart move for Vonage because it pushes VoIP into the mobile realm, which is where everyone is headed,” said Will Stofega, an IDC analyst. “The company has tried hard to replicate the traditional phone service, and this appears to be an easy-to-use system that helps them do just that.”
Indeed, the new V-Phone is but one of many devices that Vonage, Skype, and other VoIP providers are rolling out for consumers and businesses, taking advantage of attractive calling rates and the proliferation of high-speed Internet connections.
But the technology does present some challenges, such as dealing with new headsets, navigating unfamiliar software interfaces, and learning how to hold a conversation over a PC.
To help customers overcome some of these challenges, Skype earlier this year announced a partnership with Panasonic to create several new products, including a Skype-compatible cordless telephone, as well as a USB adapter that lets you use existing corded or cordless telephones for tapping in to Skype’s free calling features.
Fees and Security
Still, some analysts suggest caution for businesses considering the idea of embracing new technologies such as the V-Phone. New regulations governing Internet telephony could come into play, said Gartner analyst Ron Cowles in a recent interview, just as they have for VoIP in other countries.
“This isn’t all set in stone, especially given the role of telecoms in this country,” he said. “There are still regulatory issues that have yet to be decided.” Additional regulations could mean access fees that would make the cost of VoIP calls equivalent to traditional telephone services.
Gartner also has advised business users to tread carefully when using voice services that are based on proprietary protocols because of network-security issues. The firm has noted that standards-based alternatives might be more secure.
The V-Phone is available now from Vonage for $40 with a $9 activation fee. Pricing plans for consumers range from $15 for 500 minutes to $25 per month for unlimited U.S. calling. Business customers can get unlimited U.S calling for $34.99.
Jay Wrolstad, newsfactor.com