FW: [Asterisk-Users] WiFi / GSM VoIP Handsets..

[Steve Kennedy]

On Tue, May 23, 2006 at 02:50:33AM +0800, Sam Tam wrote:

> Well it is incorrect to say that.
> In places like USA or London, a lot of areas are covered by local wifi
> providers, some are free, some aren't. 
> You then can use them to drop some of your local or international calls
> cheaply by using wifi.

But the point is without operator cooperation, there's no seamless
handover between GSM and WiFi, and the operators don't want to lose the
revenue on the voice, so they are unlikely to support it.

BT have an arrangement with Vodafone for their Fusion service (using an
in-premise Bluetooth basestation and a phone with GSM/Bluetooth), but
they're big enough to force an operator's hand.

For general GSM/WiFi UMA, it's unlikely the (UK) operators will allow
other providers access to their networks, as it reduces their revenues.

They're already p*ssed off enough that they're being forced to reduce
roaming charges (currently on voice - but the EU is likely to look at
data charges which can be extremely costly).

They are desperate to keep revenues.


Steve

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