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One of the most important developments in the telecoms industry in recent times has been the development of mobile VoIP technology. Although still relatively early days for the mobile Voice over IP start-ups such as Truphone, it certainly seems they have the potential to mix things up in the telecoms industry. Some of the recent incumbent mobile operators’ actions seem testament to this fact with T-Mobile recently being forced to allow the use of Truphone over its network, having previously not allowed calls to Truphone alloted numbers.

Whilst a few industry commentators argue that as VoIP prices tend towards zero, this is making it a increasingly difficult industry to make any substantial profit in; the increasing prevalence of cut cost high speed broadband and has resulted in a huge increase in the availability of free Wi-Fi. As a result this is making mobile VoIP operators an increasingly attractive offer for consumers. The trend in the availability of new ’smart phones’ with the ability to run mobile VoIP client software, at ever reducing prices is also, it could be argued, creating a tipping point in the industry.

We have recently seen T-Mobile introduce their VoIP service called @home giving people the option of paying a single low monthly flat rate. However whilst the industry is finding customers uncomfortable about getting rid of their fixed phone line all together, mobile VoIP operators have no such issue to contend with. The seamless integration of mobile VoIP software into the functionality of mobile phones, as well as the falling cost of unlimited data phone packages has resulted in a predictably fast growth in the mobile VoIP industry.

At present it has been reported that there are 4 million VoIP subscribers in the UK, and the growth looks set to continue. How established mobile phone operators will take advantage of this growth is still unclear but the decision to force T Mobile to unblock calls to Truphone subscribers surely transmits a clear message that rather than try and resist the mobile VoIP operators, the long established industry monoliths must find a way of working with them.

One issue which may have an impact on the amount of subscribers of mobile VoIP is security, with many highly publicized stories highlighting the vulnerabilities in making calls using VoIP. Another problem to to confront is ‘VoIP phishing’ where people are convinced to part with their personal data voluntarily after falling for a thief’s lure. This is also indicative of other VoIP security issues where unscrupulous would be thieves can tamper with the caller ID making it appear as though they are calling from reputable financial institutions. Once such issues have been resolved and fears allayed it is likely that mobile VoIP will become will become much more integral to peoples lives as people take the opportunity to turn their mobiles into VoIP phones.

Short T/F quiz

1. T / F You can save a significant amount of money using VoIP rather than traditional telephone/cell phone calling methods.

2. T / F The minimum requirement for VoIP is a broadband (high speed) connection.

3. T / F VoIP security is not an issue to be concerned about because most computers are protected with firewalls.

4. T / F Over 75% of the world will be using VoIP for communication within the next 3-4 years.

5. T / F You can make all your phone calls anywhere in the world from your computer.

6. T / F Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are perfectly safe to use, especially if your computer is protected with firewalls.

Answers

1. The answer is True. In fact, it is the tremendous savings of up to 80% off traditional phone calling that makes VoIP attractive to consumers and businesses. The only equipment needed for VoIP is your PC and a microphone (if one is not built into your PC). Beware of VoIP service providers that require you to purchase additional equipment and/or sign contracts.

2. The answer is False. Although the public has been fed a steady diet that the minimum requirement for VoIP is a high speed (broadband) connection, this is absolutely false.

Over 90% of the VoIP providers have used this false premise as a smokescreen to take your focus off the fact that their priority was and is to line their own pockets rather than expend the time, effort, and funds to develop technology that incorporates dial up capability.

The technology required for dial up connections to use VoIP involves the ability to compress data packets down to a minimum size of 8 kbps prior to traveling over the Internet.

3. The answer is False. Security should be the most important feature of any VoIP solution provider. Firewalls do not incorporate protection for VoIP. VoIP security should incorporate protection against identity theft, Trojan horses, viruses, and worms.

Craig Pollard of Siemens advised that “Voice must be protected like any other application”. He further stated that, “Along with IT directors and telecom managers, a number of financial directors came to our road shows, which may not be surprising considering the damaging potential of VoIP threats if a network is not properly protected.”

Over 90% of VoIP solution providers do not operate on secure lines. These providers, in order to save a few dollars at your expense, operate on industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols which are publicly open and interpretable. Hacker friendly providers offer hacker manuals, software, programs, and even processor chips that makes accessibility to your computer from these industry standards - as enticing as chum is to sharks in a feeding frenzy.

When a computer hacker gains unauthorized access to your computer, their sole purpose is to steal your identity and sell your personal and confidential information to other criminal entities. In addition, they often plant Trojan horses, viruses, and worms into your computer.

4. The answer is True. Industry insiders such AT&T says, “VoIP traffic is projected to account for approximately 75% of the world’s voice traffic by 2007″. This suggests a major paradigm shift in communication.

5. The answer is True. Not only can you make all your phone calls anywhere in the world from your computer, you can also travel with your computer phone. Simply by bringing your unique number and password, you can download your phone with your entire contact list. Of course, PC to PC is usually free between subscribers. PC to telephones and cell phones typically involves fees at drastically reduced rates when compared to traditional calling rates.

6. The answer is False. P2P networks use industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols which are publicly open and interpretable.

John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks at the High Technology Crime Investigation Association 2004 International Training Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, “We have seen worms and viruses attack…disrupting basic services…And with the increased use of the Internet and especially peer-to-peer networking, we have seen malicious code spread more quickly and infect more personal computers than ever before. The cost of these worms, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks…reaches into the billions of dollars.”

P2P networks such as Skype operate by taking bandwidth (information carrying capacity) from customers on their service to assist other customers using their service - analogous to a symbiotic relationship. The tools that enable them to accomplish this are bundled in the software their customers agree to in order to download and access their VoIP service.

Another grave concern for both individuals and businesses when using P2P systems is unknowingly having your computer used as a supernode. A supernode occurs when your computer is arbitrarily assigned as a hub.

When you are running the software for P2P services, your computer’s disk space, bandwidth, and processing power are used to help other users on the same system operate their software more efficiently because of their own network or firewall constraints.

We as consumers still have a lot to learn about VoIP, as this technology is the new era of communication and is continuously being changed.

All VoIP service providers need to incorporate the protection, needs, and desires of its customers, as well as address security and dial up capability.

All VoIP service providers should invest in developing a proprietary patented technology that incorporates compression of data packets so that their VoIP can be used on dial up connections, as well as cable, satellite, and wireless.

All VoIP service providers should develop and create their own proprietary high end encryption codec with patented technology, simply because they do not want their customers to be victims of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or have their identity stolen as a result of using their VoIP service.

Simply put, all VoIP service providers should place the protection, security, and needs of their customers FIRST. Of course, they are in business to earn profits, but it should not be at the expense of exposing their customers to unscrupulous entities.

Want to hear and experience what exceptional sound quality on optimally secure lines sounds like? Download a 7 day free trial at http://www.free-pc-phone.com and see for yourself.

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners **
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed above.

Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues. Other articles can be found at http://www.free-pc-phone.com

The 6280 has been a a real boost for Nokia having been extremely popular with the public. With this mobile handset Nokia have built something which is fairly well featured for the price. Like other similar models from Nokia the design is quite contemporary and would be appealing to a broad range of users.

There are hundreds incentives availbe on the web to current mobile handset users. If you try using a site that compares mobile phones you may see a free line rental deal.

The screen is a TFT, 256K colors. This handset is bluetooth enabled which means it is compatible with the majority of mobile accessories like hands free sets. A Standard battery, Li-Ion 970 mAh (BP-6M), battery cell is shipped with the Nokia 6280. The Nokia 6280 has a battery cell life of 200 hrs reserve time and talk time of 5:00. The Nokia 6280 is small and comfortable to carry. For a mobile handset of this type, in terms of weight, the Nokia 6280 scores very well at 115 g. This handset can be bought in, Carbon Black and Graphite grey. The Nokia 6280 has support for 2G GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G UMTS 2100 . The 6280 is fitted with a 2 MP, 1600×1200 pixels, VGA video, flash; secondary video call VGA camera. A WAP 2.0/xHTML browser allows this mobile handset to be used for mobile Internet access. The ring-tones on the 6280 are Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3 along with a vibration alert . Additionally the Nokia 6280 has the following additional features , Built-in handsfree, Organiser, Stereo FM radio (visual radio), Push to talk, Java MIDP 2.0, Music player and Voice dial/memo.

What Is VoIP And How Does VoIP Work

VoIP will allow users to user their broadband connection to make
phone calls over the Internet. The widespread use of VoIP has
caused a revolution in the phone industry.

With the VoIP service giving users the chance to make phone
calls over the internet it is easy to see why this has rocked
the telecom industry.

VoIP at present is becoming the most cost effective way to make
long distance telephone calls. Before VoIP telephone service
providers had a strong hold on lucrative and 99% of the time
over priced long distance services. Due to the introduction of

Voip the long distance calling market has began to open to up
to competition. The main reason for this is that most Internet

users will begin implementing VoIP. The main reason being that
VoIP is the most cost effective way to make long distance

telephone calls.

VoIP Development Process

Over the last 10 year VoIP has been slowly developing. In the
early days computer users were able to talk to one another
through their computers. You were only able to do this if you
had a voice enabled computer with good Internet connection and

you would need to have a software program installed on your
computer.

The main advantage to this was that it allowed user to be able
to contact anyone from around the world for free aslong as they
had the same setup as you.

The disadvantages to this system was that sound quality was
never great, broadband was not being widely used and the user
you were trying to contact would have to be online.

Today’s VoIP has made these problems a thing of the past.

The two things that were required to make VoIP technology appeal
to the wide spread market have been accomplished.

Broadband is now a widly used internet service. This allows
users to have a stable internet connection that can always be
on.

Secondly the VoIP industry has been able to develop a simple and
inexpenisve way of integrating the IP network (aka Internet)
with a traditional telephone system.

What this means is that VoIP users are able to use their own
telephone to call anyone else in the world who has the
traditonal telephone connection.

Traditional telecom companies such as Qwest, AT&T and Bell have
developed their own type of VoIP technology. This has given
consumers a huge number of choices. Now anybody anywhere with a
boradband internet connection is able to call anyone anywhere in
the world who has a ordinary telephone connection.

Why VoIP Will Save You Money

The major advantage of VoIP is the low cost, with no significant
decrease in voice quality.

1st, a VoIP subscriber doesn’t require a traditional phone line.
Instead, you are assigned a phone number by your VoIP provider.

Prices for these calls can be as low as $9 per month. 2nd,
virtually all VoIP subscribers will buy a “bundle” of services
that includes unlimited incoming calls and unlimited long
distance calls to anyone in a defined geographic area. As an
example, VoIP unlimited calling plans to anyone in the US or
even Canada will only cost around $20 per month.

Third, virtually all VoIP service providers offer free bundled
features that virtually all traditional telephone corporations
charge for. These include free voicemail, call forwarding,
caller ID, call waiting, call waiting ID, three way calling,
speed dialing.

VoIP providers offer better flexibility and portability

An additional important benefit is the flexibility and
portability of VoIP phone service. With VoIP your individual
telephone number is programmed into the converter that acts as a
bridge between your internet connection and your regular
telephone.

This has many important benefits. As already mentioned you don’t
want an actual land line. Instead your telephone number is
assigned to your converter (not to your geographic land line).
So you are able to take your converter with you anywhere in the
globe, plug it into any available broadband connection, and
immediately you can employ your regular number to produce and
receive calls.

This flexibility also lets you select a number in an area code
where virtually all of your long distance calls originate. For
instance, if many of your friends, family, business associates
or even customers are calling from a specific city that
traditionally involved an extended distance call for them, you
may pick a number in that area code and immediately turn all
their calls to you into local (free) calls for them.

The benefits of VoIP are many, and the savings can be incredibly
important. So it’s no wonder that VoIP has turned into the
hottest telecom technology of the decade. Informed consumers and
businesses around the globe are adopting this technology at a
phenomenal rate.

Visit Our Home Page At VoIP Phone Company To Learn Even More.

There was a dreadful time in history when the telecom regime (local phone companies) held consumers captive by charging high prices for phone service. To make matters worse, this regime would nickel and dime consumers to death for additional features like voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding. Not to mention their customer service or lack thereof, was and still is a horrifying experience. This long history of monopolizing the telecommunication industry has finally come to an end. It’s time for a regime change. Consumers now have an alternative - introducing VoIP.

VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line. Some services that use VoIP only allow you to call other people using the same service, usually done when making PC to PC phone calls. Other services allow you to call anyone, anywhere (as long as they have a telephone number) including: local & long distance, mobile, and international numbers. This type of VoIP service allows you to use a traditional phone that plugs directly into a phone adapter.

The great thing about VoIP is that all the additional features are included in the monthly fee. These features include: unlimited local & long distance calls into the US & Canada, voicemail, call waiting, caller id, three-way, just to name a few. Most VoIP service providers typically charge between $20 and $25 dollars a month.

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to completely redesign the entire world’s communication infrastructure. VoIP providers have already been around for several years and growing at a tremendous rate. Currently, there are over 6 million users of VoIP worldwide and that numbers is growing exponentially.

FAQ about VoIP

Can you provide me with a brief explanation of VoIP?
VoIP allows you to make phone calls over an existing Internet connection. VoIP converts a voice signal (analog) from your phone into a digital signal that then travels over the Internet to the desired location. It then converts the digital signal back to analog so the person on the other end can hear what you are saying.

How do I make a VoIP phone call?
The first step of making a VoIP phone call is to subscribe to a service. Once you sign up for service, the VoIP service provider will then send you a broadband phone adapter, which plugs directly into your internet connection. You will then have to plug your existing telephone into the phone adapter. Lastly, all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial the number.

What kind of equipment do I need to use VoIP?
You need three things in order to use VoIP: 1) A high-speed Internet connection (either cable or DSL); A broadband phone adapter (provided by the VoIP service provider); and 3) any standard (analog or digital) phone.

Is there a difference when placing a local or long distance call when using VoIP?
Not really. VoIP phone calls are made just the same way as traditional calls are made. When dialing local calls, all you have to do is dial 7 digits (555-1212) and when dialing long distance, all you have to do is dial 11 digits (1-408-555-1212).

Can I call anyone using VoIP?
Yes. You can call anyone, anywhere as long as they have a valid phone number. It can be a local call, long distance call, international call, cell phone, toll free, 911 (assuming they have E911 capability)and 411 directory assistance. Most VoIP providers will not allow calls to 900 or 976 phone numbers, nor will they accept collect calls.

What are some advantages of using VoIP?
1. Cost - Most VoIP providers charge between $20 and $25 a month.
2. Unlimited calling in the U.S and Canada.

3. All the features are included (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, 3-way, call forwarding and much more)
4. VoIP is portable. You can take the phone adapter anywhere where there is an existing Internet connection, plug it in and make calls if you were at home.
5. The ability to choose your own area code. You can live in New York and choose to have a California phone number.

Are there any disadvantages of using VoIP?
Yes.

1. If the power goes out in your home you will also lose your Internet connection, which means that your phone service will also be down. Some VoIP service providers offer a feature that allows customers to designate a forwarding number if their Internet connection goes down for any reason.

2. Not all VoIP Providers offer E911. This means that if you call 911 from your VoIP phone, it may not go to the local public dispatcher. Rather, it will get routed to an answering service first.

3. Call Quality. At certain times of the day, the call quality of phone conversations will suffer. This could be due to bandwidth sharing, or slow Internet connection.

Do I need a computer to use VoIP?
No. Although most VoIP customers do have a computer, one is not needed. The broadband phone adapter simply plugs into a router (or modem) to get a connection.

Can I use VoIP when I travel?
Yes. You can use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high speed Internet connection available and you bring your broadband phone adapter and phone with you.

How will I know if someone is calling me from a VoIP phone?
You won’t. The VoIP phone works just like a traditional phone. The quality and experience is that good.

Join the rebellion aimed at overthrowing the telecommunications industry by force. Switch to VoIP today and start saving tomorrow.

Click here for more in-depth information about voip products and services.

Michael Brito is an internet marketing consultant and freelance writer for a variety of consumer related products.

Launched in September 2007 the Nokia N81 has been a very popular slider style phone. The N81 is an entry level handset and, compared to some other mobile handsets within this price bracket it is well featured. With the N81 Nokia have produced a good general purpose that will be suitable for a broad range of customers.

The N81 weighs 140 g which is OK for a handset of this type. Compared to competitors mobile phones on the market the Nokia N81 is compact and easy to carry. If colour is something you are interested in you may like to know that this mobile phone comes in, Cobalt blue and Graphite grey. The Nokia N81 supports 2G GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G UMTS 2100. The N81 has an integrated 2 MP, 1600×1200 pixels, video(QVGA 15fps), flash; secondary CIF videocall camera. A WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser allows this phone to be used for mobile Internet access. The Nokia N81 is that is supplied with a Li-Po 1050 mAh (BT-6MT) battery cell. Moving on to battery duration the Nokia N81 has 410 hrs standby charge and 4:00 talk time. The Nokia N81 comes equipped with bluetooth, making compatibility with a great deal of up to date mobile accessories extremely convenient. The ring-tones on the N81 are Polyphonic (64 channels), Monophonic, True Tones, MP3 on top of which is a vibrating tone. Moving on to the display the phone is equipped with a 2.4 inch screen, which, taking into consideration the alternatives for this kind of money is an average display. The display type is TFT, 16M colors. The N81 also features a few extras, for example:

Although this is quite a recent model, the Nokia N81 faces some very stiff competition. It is therefore possible to pick up a great bargain on this mobile phone. Thanks to the Internet it has never been more convenient or as cost competitive to buy a mobile phone. Shopping online will save you a lot of money, it is even possible to get a one year free line rental deal on the Nokia N81 , which, if you are clever will not cost the earth to run.