Internet and VOIP phones

The average number of calling features is increasing for VoIP phone service plans while monthly prices remain steady, according to VoipReview.org (http://www.VoipReview.org), the first and most complete comparison shopping and information source for broadband phone service. While the average number of features per calling plan increased from 23 in April to nearly 27 in November, the average price of an unlimited long distance VoIP home plan remained consistent at approximately $25 per month, according to online search data collected from April 1 through November 30, 2006.

As VoIP providers compete for their share of the marketplace, you’ll see more and more calling features offered standard, with prices staying generally the same. In addition to the cost savings over traditional analog phone lines, free calling features are another key reason why more people are switching to VoIP.
“The VoIP industry has steadily improved product offerings over the past year, which means VoIP buyers continue to get more for their money,” said Eric Laughlin, chief executive officer of VoipReview.org. “As VoIP providers compete for their share of the marketplace, you’ll see more and more calling features offered standard, with prices staying generally the same. In addition to the cost savings over traditional analog phone lines, free calling features are another key reason why more people are switching to VoIP.”

Based on VoipReview.org’s online search data, the average number of calling features included in VoIP provider plans ranging from $1 to $30 per month has steadily increased from 23.2 in April to 26.71 in November 2006. Features included in typical VoIP calling plans include caller ID, voice mail, number portability, call waiting and 911. VoipReview.org search data also revealed that the average price of unlimited long distance home plans with 911 has remained somewhat consistent with pricing at $25.46 per month in April and $25.18 per month in November 2006.

Source and more info: emediawire

TRENDnet has started shipping its ClearLink VoIP USB Phone Adapter (Model TVP-SP5G). This pocket sized product links your telephone to your computer via USB connection and allows you to make Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, using Skype, from your standard phone. Now you have the choice to make and receive either a standard call or a Skype call when you pick up your phone. Users can take advantage of free Skype to Skype calling, Skype subscription plans, or keep in contact with regular phone users with their existing telephone.

Perfectly suited for home and office use, the ClearLink VoIP USB Phone Adapter installs in a flash. No need to find room on your crowded power strip, the unit is powered from the USB connection to your computer. A simple hot key allows you to switch between SkypeTM and regular phone calls. The ClearLink VoIP USB Phone Adapter is an affordable Skype solution and a great addition to TRENDnet’s growing stable of VoIP products.

“Internet-based telephony solutions such as Skype are becoming increasingly popular,” stated Zak Wood, Senior Marketing Manager for TRENDnet. “TRENDnet has created a portfolio of VoIP products that meet the needs of this rapidly growing segment. If you want a brand new VoIP phone we have several feature rich models to choose from. If you just want to use your existing phone to talk over the Internet, the ClearLink VoIP USB Phone Adapter is a solution within reach of most consumers.”

Source and more info: voipmonitor

Worldwide mobile phone sales hit $115.5 billion in 2006, and WiFi phone sales topped $535 million, up 13% and 327% from 2005, respectively, says analyst firm Infonetics Research in its “Mobile and WiFi Phones and Subscribers” report.

As prices continue to drop, demand will continue to grow for both mobile and WiFi VoIP phones in 2007. Worldwide, shipments of mobile handsets jumped 27% between 2005 and 2006, and single- and dual-mode WiFi handsets together jumped 489%. For the 4-year period between 2007 and 2010, shipments for mobile handsets are forecast to increase 26%, and WiFi handsets are forecast to increase nearly 1300%.

The fastest growing segment in the market by far is the dual-mode WiFi/cellular VoIP phone, with worldwide units shipping at a phenomenal rate: Infonetics forecasts a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 198% between 2006 and 2010.

“Users are demanding single number/single device services, and operators like T-Mobile announced converged services based on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) in 2006,” said Richard Webb, directing analyst for wireless at Infonetics Research. “UMA is a good example of early fixed-mobile convergence (FMC), prior to the eventual shift to IMS in the long-term.”

Source and more info: marketwire