Thursday, May 03, 2007 Cebu to get ‘cheaper’ call service
THE need to provide free international mobile calls has promptd a local businessman to introduce the use of Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)-ready cellphones in making Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.
“Communication should be free, if not, at least very affordable,” said Edward Lim, iNTouch chief executive officer and managing director.
The mobile VoIP works in a way where WiFi capable cellphones can call IP to IP numbers worldwide at no extra cost, he explained.
“When you want to subscribe, go to the InTouch website, give your mobile phone model. You save the text that will be sent to you and it automatically configures the phone, making it WiFi ready,” Lim said, adding that once payment is confirmed, an Over the Air configuration will be sent.
Service cost
He said, though, that he has yet to decide on the service cost and how payment can be coursed since “things are currently being planned out.”
However, he assured that a formal launching of the service is slated by the end of the month.
To further elevate its marketing strategies, Lim told Sun.Star Cebu, that he will be introducing this new concept to multinational companies or the small and medium enterprises.
Through the use of what he describes as an IP PBX or a software that works on IP, local extension numbers are connected to the mobile phone number, thus allowing people to access the number despite the location.
“This means anyone can just call you from your office landline, without them knowing you’re in another province, or another part of the world,” said Lim, adding the IP PBX is provided for free.
The mobile VoIP service, assuming a person’s mobile phone is WiFi-capable, costs P50 per month, per individual, he said.
He added that this type of “value-added” service is ideal for the company’s key personnel, who are most of the time out of the office.
In addition, this cuts down a firm’s telecommunication expenses, he added.
Another advantage that Lim cited was the convenience of not having to bring bulky laptops when traveling.
User-friendly
In order for the service to be user-friendly, he said plans to come up an e-Directory are already in the pipeline.
The e-Directory allows one to click on the website and automatically triggers the IP PBX to call the IP number.
Meanwhile, Lim said while mobile VoIP is now the latest trend in the global telecommunications industry and has not reached six months old, he has not coined a name for this service yet.
“This is a first in the making in Asia,” he said.
He is confident that in the long run, Filipinos, just like the Europeans, will slowly adapt to the service.
“(It’s) either you embrace technology or be left behind,” said Lim. (MMM)
