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February 9, 2010
O2 opens networks for VoIP use on mobile phones
Published: 18 Aug 09 16:52 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/sci-tech/20090818-21329.html
O2 Germany announced plans on Monday to be the first major mobile phone provider in the country that would no longer block internet voice (VoIP) applications on devices.
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In April, Deutsche Telekom tried to block the use of such applications on its handsets and via its internet hotspots, saying that the applications would create a high level of traffic that would put strain on the T-Mobile network.
Other networks followed suit and even tried to ban a Nokia handset that would come with the Skype application pre-installed.
Now, in order to become more competitive, O2 Germany, owned by Spain's Telefónica, is changing its position on the issue.
“We are one of the fastest and most modern mobile data networks in Europe and our customers should be able to experience that without restrictions,” marketing director of O2 Germany Lutz Schüler said in a press release on the company’s website. “By opening our mobile highspeed network for VoIP services, we are setting new benchmarks for mobile internet.”
T-Mobile has lifted the restriction on the Skype application, but now charges its customers €9.95 a month for a VoIP option.
O2’s minimal internet plan costs just €10 per month and allows 200 MB of data transfer before putting a throttle on the customer’s account. According to technology news site TechCrunch Europe, 200 MB is enough to make two hours of Skype calls to every country in the world.
VoIP software is already available for Blackberries, some Nokia models and Apple’s iPhone.
The Local (news@thelocal.de)
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Your comments about this article:
Personally I don't see how its any more traffic than regular surfing or streaming music.
I use an mobile application called Fring, which allows me to make and receive calls using MSN Messenger, G-Talk. Skype and my VoIP service with 3G and 2G. This application switches to WiFi when it finds one, otherwise uses mobile networks.Call quality with 2G is always not so good but 3G and WiFi exellent.
So my really misleadingly written comment should say I've been able to make and receive VoIP calls practically all the time, everywhere. As an immigrant here in Germany it really has helped me to lower the cost when keeping in touch with my friends and family back home.