Truphone to include Skype calls

Mobile VoIP company Truphone says it's launched Skype calling and IM on the newest version of its Apple iPhone and iPod Touch software, which means Truphone users can make and receive Skype calls from their chosen Apple device as well as using Truphone services. [Truphone blog; BB Comms blog]

Skype for Google Android and Java handsets

VoIP service Skype has launched a beta version of its service that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices as well as more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones. [Press release]

Truphone on your iPod Touch

Mobile VoIP company Truphone has announced a free software download that turns an iPod Touch into a phone. With an optional microphone adaptor, it lets users make calls to other Truphone customers. The company says it'll soon add the ability to make and receive calls to and from fixed-line phones. [Truphone blog]

Spending on mobiles will affect other business comms

Analysys Mason says business spending on voice services is moving to mobile - much like the consumer telecomms market. In Western Europe, enterprise mobile voice spend is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1% while enterprise fixed voice spend is expected to decline at a CAGR of 15%. It also says the current global financial situation may accelerate mobile substitution and fixed/mobile convergence because businesses are unwilling to pay the relatively high cost of desk phones. [Analysis Mason news insight]

EC looking at VoIP blocking by mobile networks

The European Commission has asked mobile phone networks whether (and how) they're blocking VoIP calls - voice calls over the internet. The action is thought to be the prelude to a possible formal investigation. [Source: IHT.com]

T-Mobile gets German court to ban VoIP software

T-Mobile in Germany has taken VoIP company Sipgate to court, complaining that Sipgate's software only works on 'jailbroken' (unlocked) iPhones. The Higher Regional Court in Hamburg agreed that Sipgate makes use of "unfair business practices" because unlocking the iPhone is a breach of T-Mobile's contract terms, which means Sipgate can't be used in Germany. The ban does not apply in other countries. [Source: TheRegister.co.uk]

Tesco offices to go mobile

Tesco staff in its stores and distribution centres will start using mobiles for all their calls as part of a £100 million 5-year deal with Cable & Wireless that starts next month. The scheme will use a new private GSM network that'll connect all 1,800 Tesco stores and distribution locations, making inter-company calls free. Calls inside buildings will be routed over Tesco's IP network, with external calls sent via GSM. [Source: TimesOnline.co.uk]

New Mobile News podcast now online

In this week’s Mobile News podcast, host Iain Graham is joined by the usual team of Mark Bridge and James Rosewell for a look at the latest industry news. Our main feature sees Iain talking to James Tagg, CEO of Truphone, about the company’s plans for the future... including a new BlackBerry-compatible version of Truphone that's just weeks away, plus the company's forthcoming converged GSM/WiFi product. As well as all this, there’s also time for a quick preview of the new Nokia N79. You can download or listen at TheFonecast.com and on the Mobile News website... and you'll find us on iTunes and via RSS too.

New Mobile News podcast now online

Iain Graham, Mark Bridge and James Rosewell take their usual look at the week's mobile industry headlines in this week's Mobile News podcast, sponsored by Brightstar Europe. There's also a discussion about the developments in Mobile VoIP and a review of the 5-megapixel LG KC550. As always, you can download or listen at TheFonecast.com and on the Mobile News website... and you'll find us on iTunes and via RSS too.

Mobile News podcast now online

This week's Mobile News podcast - sponsored by Supercover Insurance - takes its regular in-depth look at industry headlines from the last seven days. There's also an interview with United Mobile's John Peck about VoIP and a preview of the new S2 Skypephone. The broadcast can be downloaded from TheFonecast.com, from the Mobile News website, via iTunes or from our RSS feed.

VoIP company Vyke disagrees with GSMA's roaming statement

Voice-over-IP operator Vyke says the GSM Association's recent roaming figures show mobile networks shouldn't be complaining about potential EC charge caps. In a press release titled "Blind as bats", it also says the networks' shareholders should welcome the threat of regulation. [Press release]

Europeans are ditching their landlines

A survey from the European Commission has shown that 24% of EU households have given up their fixed telephone in favour of mobile phones, while 22% are using their computer from home to make 'VoIP' phone calls over the internet. [Press release]

Truphone buys SIM4travel

Mobile VoIP company Truphone has agreed to buy virtual network SIM4travel. The deal means that Truphone will acquire SIM4travel’s travel SIM capability and its Mobile Virtual Network platform. Truphone will also take ownership of SIM4travel’s infrastructure, customer base, distribution and staff. Truphone currently offers a low-cost mobile service using WiFi technology and now plans to introduce a similar service using GSM networks. [Press release]