Boingo Wireless and Cicero Networks have announced that they will demonstrate mobile VoIP and IM over Wi-Fi on dual-mode handsets using Boingo's Wi-Fi Hotspots at next week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The companies' combined fixed mobile convergence technology is targeted at mobile operators and service providers, who can offer it to their subscribers as a flexible, low-cost calling plan. Subscribers can simply install Boingo Mobile and CiceroPhone wVoIP clients on their Wi-Fi enabled Nokia and Windows Mobile handsets, allowing them to make and receive wVoIP calls at any of Boingo's tens of thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.
Boingo Mobile software identifies Boingo-enabled hotspots and automatically authenticates users. CiceroPhone is a VCC-enabled multi-mode softphone that intelligently routes calls over Wi-Fi/broadband and cellular networks. Installed alongside Boingo Mobile, CiceroPhone enables wVoIP and IM services and importantly, allows seamless in-call roaming between Boingo hotspots and cellular networks.
Boingo and Cicero have recently partnered with UK Internet telephony provider, Velofone, who bundle Boingo Mobile and CiceroPhone as part of the company's Velofone Mobile wVoIP service for international business travelers.
"The combination of Boingo Mobile's widespread global Wi-Fi network and Cicero's simple-to-use, feature-rich wVoIP client means Velofone Mobile subscribers have access to over 60,000 hotspot locations across 85 countries where they can automatically make mobile VoIP calls, significantly reducing their international mobile roaming costs," said Mark Gordon, CEO, Velofone.
"Boingo Mobile subscribers are already reaping the benefits of an easy-to-use, affordable, and widely covered connection plan on their mobile handsets," said TJ Noto, Director of Business Development, Boingo. "The Boingo Mobile and CiceroPhone combination gives users the flexibility to make and receive inexpensive and unlimited VoIP calls in locations they frequent the most – airports, hotels, and cafés all over the world."
"By using CiceroPhone at Boingo locations, these users can tap into the additional cost savings and flexibility enabled by wireless VoIP very simply and efficiently," said Elaine Treacy, VP of Marketing, Cicero Networks. "Boingo Mobile eliminates any pain associated with using your phone at a hotspot and extends the reach of wVoIP to thousands of public locations."