Earthlink is an ISP caterpillar that appears to be morphing into something far more ambitious. Besides its standalone VoIP service, Earthlink is working with local governments to deploy public access wireless data networks. And where muni WiFi comes, could wireless VoIP be far behind? Of course not. Earthlink announced last week that it's entered beta testing with a company-branded WiFi phone that will work either with a customer's on-site network or an Earthlink WiFi muni net. The testing is happening in Anaheim, CA. When the handset is ready, service will cost $14.95 per month for 500 outbound and unlimited inbound minutes or $24.95 per month for unlimited domestic service. Equipment--the phone and an integrated cradle and router--will cost $100.
For more information about the Earthlink beta:
- check out this coverage [1] from FierceWireless
- read this press release [2] from Earthlink
Related Article:
Level 3 powers EarthLink consumer VoIP. Report [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/earthlink-beta-tests-wifi-handsets/2007-03-21
[2] http://www.earthlink.net/about/press/pr_elink_wifi_phone_manufacturer/
[3] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/level-3-powers-earthlink-consumer-voip/2006-04-21