Skype has now launched a 3G VoIP application for the iPhone. VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a big advance in the telecommunication industry. This technology combines voice and image in a single line. VoIP provides excellent quality of service. There are many points which give an edge to VoIP over traditional telephone service.
VoIP can lower your telephone bills. Calling plans offered by VoIP service Providers are variable. Some charge per minute, others give unlimited long distance local and domestic calls. Simple calling plans are always a better choice. Plans charging per minute may be attractive but the bills are totally unpredictable. Unlimited calling plans have a more predictable billing system. VoIP has the quality of being fast, easy and uninterrupted.
Signing up for VoIP is quite easy. All it needs to run is a high speed internet connection. It can be accessed sitting anywhere in the world. Other features of VoIP are:
- Unlimited extensions
- Conferencing
- Call blocking
- Caller ID
- Customized audio menus and professional greetings
- Click to Call buttons
- Call transferring
- Voice mail services
- Call routing
- Call forwarding
In addition to these, features like virtual numbers, telecommuting, personal phone numbers, Mobile PBX, private faxes, unified communication, connecting multiple locations through voice are also included.
Skype 2.0 VoIP is now on the iPhone with the capability of making calls over 3G. Initially the users could only use VoIP application over WiFi. People were wondering when they will see a 3G VoIP app from Skype. The wait is over, since Apple lifted restrictions on iPhone VoIP applications that run over a 3G network. Developer agreements were amended by Apple to enable VoIP apps for the iPhone 3G in the Apps Store. Previously users could only use VoIP applications over WiFi. VoIP 3G iPhone applications are being offered by VoIP providers such as Fring and iCall.
The company delayed the launching of 3G VoIP applications in order to improve the quality of audio prior to releasing the new version. This application provides high audio quality even with low band-width. This gives an advantage in low band-width situations. One of the new attractive features is the call quality meter or the call quality indicator. It has a grading system consisting of colors. The call quality meter changes colors to red, yellow and green depending on the coverage, with red showing less coverage and green indicating good coverage. Start up time has also been improved in this version and the access has been made easy and fast from iPhone home screen’s dial pad.
As always, folks have great expectations for this new application from Skype. However, Skype will have to work on keeping the prices within affordable limits. They are planning to charge for Skype to Skype calls next year, although the prices will be minimal. Skype is expected to give a good value for its paid products.
This guest post is written by Zach. He is a writer and his area of interest is internet phone technology. He has eight years of experience in VoIP industry and is currently working with Axvoice internet phone service providers.
