Get More Out of Your Wireless Network (Part 3) on VoIP

If you like saving big bucks on long-distance and international calls with a Voice-over-IP phone plan, you’d probably love being able to use it with a Wi-Fi handset that lets you enjoy wireless freedom. Since Wi-Fi is available all over the world, you could bring a Wi-Fi handset on your European grand tour, yet pay no more than your normal monthly fee for all the calls home you care to make. Others could call you, too, at your regular number, anywhere in the world, at domestic prices. Just try that trick with a cell phone.

The snag, of course, is that Wi-Fi is nowhere near as ubiquitous as cell network coverage and the first-generation handsets not yet support the log-in screens found at most public hotspots. A Wi-Fi travel router will let you use the phone (and your Wi-Fi–enabled laptop) in hotel rooms with wired broadband access via ethernet, though.

It’s worth noting that if you expect to use the phone only at home, you’re probably better off using a less expensive, more feature-filled regular cordless phone with your VoIP box or router. But even if you take a relatively bellsand-whistles-free Wi-Fi phone just to work, it could help trim your cell phone bill. Keep an eye out as well for new models with more features and functionality, such as UTStarcom’s upcoming hybrid phone that can make and receive calls over both Wi-Fi and cell networks.

UTStarcom F1000

The alternative is to get your phone from a VoIP service provider; doing so is cheaper and easier but ties you to that company. This F1000 phone came from Vonage, which sells the model for $80. (You can also buy the F1000 through BroadVoice and VoIPTalk.) It worked perfectly during the call test.

Voice quality was comparable to that of a cellular or cordless phone, and no noticeable degradation in the quality of the call.

Also, an “unlocked” F1000 model that can operate with any VoIP service provider willing to divulge your normally hidden account connection details costs.

ZyXel Prestige P2000W

The ZyXel handset was harder to set up since it wasn’t tied to a specific VoIP provider. It also took longer to connect calls than the UTStarcom did, and it emitted three annoying dings before the phone on the other end started to ring. And unlike the UTStarcom, the ZyXel lacks WPA support and is too large and clunky to fit in your pocket.

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