Mobile VoIP Phones - Introducing VoWiFi

Mobile VoIP Phones - Introducing VoWiFi

The blending of telecommunications technologies is making for some very interesting new acronyms - and some pretty cool technology too.
First we had wireless phones, then we had WiFi and VoIP. Put them together and you get a relatively new technology known as VoWiFi - or for those who hate telecom acronyms "Voice over Wireless Fidelity".

In short, VoWiFi is the combination of using wireless VoIP networks to communicate on VoWiFi enabled telephones.

VoWiFi phones connect to an Internet connection through various access points or hotspots. The phones operate on radio signals and when they are in the vicinity of the network's access points, they will pick up the signal, access the Internet, and log on.

Because of a lack of overall security with many wireless networks, VoWiFi has a few hurdles to get over before it is accepted by the masses of wireless users.

But security issues are not the only thing holding back wide acceptance for VoWiFi. WiFi hotspots generally have a limited range, roughly 90 yards or so before losing the connection. Losing a connection so easily is not practical for the typical wireless user.

One solution to this problem is the use of a "hybrid" wireless phone - a device that can function on both cellular and WiFi networks. These phones function as both VoWiFi and cellular.

The Hybrid phone would allow users to use traditional wireless service when WiFi is not available. When it is, they simply connect to the WiFi network and begin using the VoIP functions of the phone. Accessing WiFi hotspots could help eliminate roaming fees as well as allow for data transmission at much higher speeds.

Currently, a VoWiFi phone is still more expensive than a standard cellular phone, but as with any developing technology, prices will most certainly be likely to go down.

There is a huge potential for the integration of video, data, audio, and web browsing capabilities on wireless phones. VoWiFi brings wireless VoIP to the package.

As with the future of all VoIP products and services, the FCC and US government are chomping at the bit to legislate and tax these new technologies. Considering the snail's pace that government gets things done, it could be years before that happens.

Expect to see many new hybrid and VoWiFi phones appearing on the local consumer market in the coming years.