Wi-Fi networks and existing cellular networks are being stitched together, which will soon allow cell phone calls to automatically switch between the two. The percentage of cell phones that are Wi-Fi enabled will grow from near 0% last year to 85% by 2007, predicts On World, wireless-market research firm.
This trend will boost the use of Voice over IP (VoIP) use, which has accelerated in recent years. Enabling VoIP with Wi-Fi means users no longer have to be sitting directly in front of their computers when they make calls. Once cell phones understand Wi-Fi signals, callers can enjoy the best of both worlds -- the cheapness of Internet calls and the flexibility of mobile phones.
When dual-mode phones are available that automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, callers will be able make and receive all calls on one phone no matter where they are. Forget about dead spots inside office buildings: calls will switch unnoticeably from office Wi-Fi networks to the cell towers lining the highway and finally to in-home Wi-Fi networks.
[Source: MIT Technology Review]
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