WIFI VOIP Phones

Early VOIP phones required that you left your PC/laptop switched on an you connected your IP phone to the PC/Laptop using a USB cable.

However there is a new generation of phone that is just entering the market that doesn’t require a PC to work.

These phones are wireless phones (WIFI) which connect to a WIFI hub/router and then to the Internet.

For UK users of BT Total Broadband (click for review) the BT Wireless hub which is available under option2 and option 3 plans and allows you to make phone calls using BT’s 1010 Digital Cordless Phone ( WIFI-VOIP phone).

Other operators will offer similar packages.

The only problem with this solution is that it only works with the BT wireless HUB and so is restricted for use in your home/office.

Netgear has launched a wireless Skype phone (SPH101) that connects to a standard wireless router and allows you make calls on your Skype account from anywhere with WIFI access, provided the access point doesn’t require browser authentication ( Many public hotspots do require it).

It costs more than the BT option (around £160 as opposed to £50) but it is more flexible.

Problems with VOIP Wireless Phones

WIFI is an international standard and so equipment from one supplier will work with equipment from another. VOIP telephones aren’t standardised and so you cannot guarantee that VOIP solution from one supplier will work with that of another.

Related Articles and Resources:

• BT Total Broadband site
• BT Total Broadband Review