Mobile Phone VOIP Calls Via iSkoot
Source: asteriskblog.com
What’s the next step for VOIP? PC to mobile phones VOIP calling. As we all know, PC-to-PC VOIP calls are usually free, but PC to mobile phones usually means paying a termination fee to complete the call. Now, there may be a workaround for that. How? iSkoot recently announced that the iSkoot client software has been Skype certified. That means mobile phone users can now place and receive Skype calls from their handsets without the need for PCs, special hardware, or WiFi hot spots. Users will simply use their local rates or minutes from their plans to speak to Skype contacts. They entered a carrier deal with The The 3 Group, a U.K. based division of Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.iSkoot software will come preloaded on certain carrier phones, including Nokia and Sony Ericsson handsets. Iskoot is also hoping to expand support to new platforms and services, including Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger. For more information, visit http://www.iskoot.com/pressreleases/prnetwork_01.09.07.php
To install, you simply download the iSkoot client to your PC or to your mobile phone via SMS. Once your mobile phone dials one of iSkoot’s servers, this will be connected via Skype to one of your Skype buddies’ PCs or mobile. You can see who’s online, then click to call them. You can view your buddy lists, chat, and make and receive Skype calls from your mobile phone. iSkoot is currently limited for use on Nokia, Motorola and Palm handsets
iSkoot also recently announced the iSkoot ASP Program for Mobile Skype. This offers carriers a fast track for offering mobile Skype service to their customers. iSkoot will take care of all equipment and hosting needed to enable Mobile Skype. The ASP program enables carriers to deploy a turnkey system. Unlike other solutions that require high-bandwidth data channels and high-end phones, iSkoot uses traditional circuit switching infrastructure. And with a recent announcement by iSkoot this February 2007 that it has secured $7 million in Seried B financing, iSkoot will be able to expand its R&D and marketing efforts, as well as pursue its plans to support BlackBerry and J2ME phones, and to port calls via other services. For more information on iSkoot, just visit their website, www.iskoot.com.
