From Techdirt comes this naughty idea:
i2 Telecom is making some news today for releasing what appears to be some sort of bridge device to tie mobile phones to a VoIP network. […] This new offering is basically an update on [the VoIP adapter] box with one additional feature: if you call into your home line with your mobile phone, the box will recognize your caller ID and let you then bounce another call out, using the VoIP network.
Very useful for avoiding international call charges from your mobile phone, and just paying standard domestic long distance rates. Although quite why you wouldn’t just use a calling card is anyone’s guess…
To follow i2’s delicious main disintermediation course, why not try Martin’s special dessert recipe for paying nothing (eat at your own risk):
1. A cheapo obsolete laptop you can leave on all the time in your attic.
2. An aircard with the cheapest data plan available. (These usually allow voice calls as well as data transmission.)
3. A mobile phone.
4. A calling plan that includes free on-network calling.
Step 1. Install software PSTN bridge on laptop with aircard.
Step 2. Call aircard from your mobile for free.
Step 3. Make onward voice call via regular VoIP or PSTN line for free.
Incoming landline calls are even easier to route onwards to a mobile for free. Yeah, the sound quality may suck when bridging, but the glee in your heart will compensate.
Aircard too expensive? Just get an old cellular phone instead. Leads conveniently available from your nearest Radio Shack. More effort, less cost. Solder and batteries not included.
Total extra expense for unlimited cellular calls: cheapest data plan, or cost for extra phone on an existing account. Sorry, how much were you charging for the 2500 minute plan again…? I think I’ll pass on that one.
I just wonder how long it will take for a telco to insist on DRM for voice calls to stop you storing or processing your own conversations. Long live the analog hole. Ahh, don’t you just love the whooshing noise of shareholder value being sucked into the ether!
Posted by Martin Geddes at 12:35 AMTrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.telepocalypse.net/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/mgeddes/MT/mt-tb.cgi/266.