T-Mobile submits VoIP router to FCC

T-Mobile has submitted a wireless router for testing by the Federal Communications Commission, several reports indicate. The extrapolation is that T-Mobile intends to extend its wireless hub and HotSpot VoIP capabilities into a full-fledged VoIP service.


HotSpot@Home [1], launched in June, allows T-Mobile cell subscribers to transfer calls between the cell network and a WiFi hotspot in the home, for $10 a month per phone. The handsets themselves sense whether or not WiFi is available, according to the reports.

The new WRTU54G router sports two GSM SIM card ports, presumably for a traditional landline handset. The configuration suggests T-Mobile is using a VoIP strategy to take on the big established carriers in the United States.

For more:
- Marguerite Reardon of CNet provides an excellent overview of T-Mobile's build-up here [2]
- Wolfgang Gruener of TG Daily provides a perspective on T-Mobile's VoIP strategy here [3]

Related Articles:
T-Mobile CEO says wVoIP won't catch on Report [4]