Voice over IP turns up the volume
By
Robert Jaques
13 February 2007 09:41AM
Tags:
voice | ip | turns | volume
Consumers spoilt for Wi-Fi handset choice.
Convergence of GSM mobile telephony and VoIP is gaining momentum, according to the Wi-Fi Alliance, which today certified its 100th Wi-Fi phone since 2004.
The organisation predicts "strong continued growth in 2007", noting that carrier deployments of combined Wi-Fi and mobile cellular networks are currently underway in seven countries.
"The growth in certification reflects the momentum for Wi-Fi cellular phones, and carriers' enthusiasm for the unique voice and data capabilities Wi-Fi adds to a handset," said Wi-Fi Alliance managing director Frank Hanzlik.
Wi-Fi Alliance certification for phones covers core Wi-Fi interoperability and standards-based security protocols, and includes optional programmes for multimedia support and power conservation.
Additional programmes to test voice performance over Wi-Fi are planned for later in 2007, as are enhancements to the core handset testing programme.
ABI Research forecasts that in 2011, more than 325 million converged Wi-Fi/cellular phones and 15 million single-mode Wi-Fi phones will be shipped.
"Smartphones have led the way for embedded Wi-Fi in cellular handsets to provide faster data access," said Philip Solis, principal analyst at ABI Research.
"With fixed-mobile convergence solutions on the rise, even more smartphones and feature phones are including Wi-Fi to provide a choice of connection options based on throughput, coverage or cost needs."
Hanzlik added: "Much as Wi-Fi certification improved the user experience with basic 802.11 networking products and enabled very widespread adoption of the technology, our handset testing programmes will be a key enabler of adoption in the convergence space."
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