Free Newsletter
T-Mobile launches unlimited WiFi calling for businesses
Free newsletter via e-mail
Tools
T-Mobile USA debuted a new unlimited voice-over-WiFi calling service for the enterprise segment, according to a T-Mobile spokeswoman. The plan offers unlimited calling via WiFi for $10 per month.
The carrier also said that businesses with more than 100 lines of voice and data can use Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices through T-Mobile to "receive free WiFi calling nationwide and from abroad to the U.S.," according to the carrier.
The plan uses dual-mode Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology and relies on T-Mobile WiFi hotspots. T-Mobile first introduced unlimited WiFi calling for consumers with the launch of its Hotspot@Home service in 2007. The offering allows users to switch between WiFi and the carrier's cellular network. Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless have each subsequently launched similar services via their respective femtocell offerings.
Related Articles:
WiFi becoming valuable customer retention tool
T-Mobile USA partners with Meru on FMC technology
T-Mobile USA expected to roll out FMC nationwide
Will femtocells sweep WiFi on the FMC front?
Comments
Posted by David @ Accuris | May 7, 2009 - 12:09pm
T-Mobile is moving in the right direction by incorporating multiple access technologies to deliver their services. Rather than see Wi-Fi as a threat, they can use it to their benefit to (1) gain differentiation, (2) create a stickier service offering, and (3) most importantly increase ARPU. Why aren't more operators considering this, especially for international data roaming?
Posted by Anonymous | May 11, 2009 - 12:04pm
I have been using the consumer T-Mobile unlimited hotspot (aka hotspot@home) service for my home-based business since last August. One phone number goes with me everywhere and it works well. Business landline is history. It's not 100% reliable like a landline, but 95-98% effective is good enough. If my broadband network is down (pretty rare), I can go outside and pick up a cellular network for an important call.
The more access technologies in a phone that work, the better.
Small businesses always seem to capitalize on new technologies before the big boys. It's funny that few people know about this service and think of T-Mobile as a poor choice for phone services. All the better for us already using it.
Comments (2) | Post a comment