Wi-Fi phones could be next trend in thrift

[Quetzal]

Wi-Fi phones could be next trend in thrift

NEW YORK (AP) — Now that some Wi-Fi "hot spots" have grown into broader neighborhood "hot zones," the next wave is waiting: Phones and gear that send conversations over wireless Internet networks — for free or at a fraction of the cost of traditional calls.

Mobile phone maker Motorola Inc. plans to introduce a device that would seamlessly switch calls from cellular networks to cheaper Wi-Fi networks wherever they're available. Discount carrier IDT Corp. is testing consumer Wi-Fi phone service in Newark, N.J.

If successful, Wi-Fi calling would be one more factor decreasing calling costs and shrinking revenue at traditional carriers.

"The potential is enormous as an alternative to conventional telephony," said John Jackson, a wireless-technology analyst at The Yankee Group.

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http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/lateststories/index.ssf?/base/business-2/1084124643311630.xml

[DS1]

1. I can't wait for the whole world to be a 'hotspot'

so I can listen to my 5000 internet radio channels in my car :7