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Fatport now offering VoIP service through mobitus

December 17, 2003 - 5:44pm — bmann

According to Wi-Fi Networking News, FatPort is offering VoIP service through a division called mobitus.

Users must get the mobitus software phone for their laptops and a headset. The service costs $16.95 (CDN) a month which includes unlimited calls to other mobitus customers. Long distance rates apply to long-distance calls to non-mobitus users.

This is very cool, because it shows that FatPort understands one of the hurdles of their service: what do you do with a wireless Internet connection? They are attacking this by developing the services themselves.

The service includes voicemail, call display, call waiting, and 3-way calling. You get email when you have voicemail. You can even get a toll-free number so that anyone in North America can call you for free. Currently, no support for a "real" phone number, but this is planned to be offered for US, Canadian, and UK phone numbers for an additional charge.

The system requirements list Windows-only options, but the FAQ lists all the details you need to set up any software or hardware SIP clients. Which means Mac users could use the softphone from Xten. Hmmm...seeing as how I haven't really gotten around to using the Free World Dialup number I have, I don't know if I would use this, yet. The choice of broadband connections is still in my future here in Vancouver, so something else that can perhaps help me avoid getting a landline.

Comments

December 18, 2003 - 1:25pm — bmann

Vonage about to launch same service

Looks like Vonage is going to be offering the same service. And they already have "real" phone numbers.

This is not such good news for cellular phone companies - why because many hotel now offer Wi-Fi access, and we can now receive phone calls when under Wi-Fi coverage. So no need to waste minutes on your cell plan, and you can cut monthly phone bills drastically. This is even worse news for long distance providers because it eliminates the need for a long distance calls, and of course the Baby Bells are at risk as well.

January 25, 2004 - 5:33pm — Anonymous

Some differences

mobitus just dropped their rates to a one time setup fee of $30. If you wanted to add a 1800 number, then that'll cost $7 a month, otherwise, the basic phone has zero montly fee (they charge the usual VoIP rates for calling regular telephones.)

December 18, 2003 - 12:51am — GSoo

looks like...

a gimmick to me.
Things I want from my wireless internet: email, web, ssh.
The phone service I'd want wirelessly is vidphone - the way to export my mobile context along with my voice.