VoIP, WiFi, and Cellular Telephony

There's a new trend in telephony, and it's called VoIP. There's a new trend in mobility, and it's called WiFi. Blend these two and you get VoWiFi – voice over wireless fidelity. It combines the low cost and high convenience with an increased mobility, determined to become a viable alternative to today's cell phones. Wherever there is a wireless access point available, you can use your VoIP phone and enjoy the low rates and enhanced audio (and video) experience.

There are drawbacks to it too, though. Among the most serious problems posed by VoWiFi is that of data security. Because wireless hotspots are so easy to access, the computers on a wireless network can easily become a hacker's victim. Another problem, as far as true mobility is concerned, is that hotspots cover a rather small space range – typically 90 metres, which seriously limits VoWiFi's chances to actually compete with cellular telephony. Due to such problems, it is unlikely that people will easily be persuaded to give up their mobile phones, even if the difference in cost is quite significant.

The higher purchase price of VoWiFi phones in comparison with cellular phones is not an incentive for people to flock towards wireless Internet telephony either. However, the possibility of integrating video and data transmission is gradually becoming tempting, and we have reasons to believe that VoWiFi is going to become more attractive in the future.

On the other hand, no one says you should give up your mobile phone. At this point, VoWiFi and cellular telephony can still cooperate. There are the so-called hybrid phones, which combine the two technologies. As long as you are within the range of a hotspot, you can eliminate roaming charges and use your telephone as a VoWiFi device. Once you have left the hotspot, the phone will automatically switch to cellular mode. The switch can take place even during a conversation, without the need for any interruption.

VoWiFi is still at its dawn. We can safely predict that the future will bring significant developments that will turn this into a telecommunications standard. Better secured networks are already being employed, making it harder for someone to tamper with the data on your computer.

It seems reasonable to assume that hybrid phones will soon become as fashionable as cell phones are now. Meanwhile, designers and developers will have time to concentrate on solving the current issues connected with the limited range and high purchase prices of VoWiFi phones, as well as with such problems as 911 access. The FCC and the governemt will also have time to regulate the statute of VoIP, so that things will gradually enter a smoother and more clearly determined path. You may soon be keeping a different kind of telecommunications device in your pocket.

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