3G. Wireless Communication Solutions

Lots of buzz around for VoIP on 3G network , here is the exclusive review from msmobiles.com

Skype for Pocket PC in latest version brings even more features of the Skype for PC, although still Skype video calling is not available (although it would be possible due to availability of camera API in Windows Mobile 5.0).

Furthermore to make voice calls with Skype one doesn’t have to have access to Wi-Fi and making voice calls is possible and feasible also over cellular networks! It is pity, that Skype for MS Smartphone is not yet officially available - clearly the reason was lack of MS Smartphone devices with powerful enough processor - but since both Motorola Q and Samsung SGH-i320 already have powerful enough processors it could change if only Skype would be willing to put some effort into it.

Anyway the version of Skype for Pocket PC is a very mature one, particularly in the latest version that we have tested here, and since still there is no Skype for Symbian, it is also a very good reason to buy Windows Mobile phone… if you don’t have one yet!

Also, Tom Keating from TMCnet has a review on latest Skype for Pocket PC 2.1 Beta.

Skype Wi-Fi VoIP phones already announced by four companies (SMC, Belkin, Netgear, Edge-Core), Skype is working with other manufacturers to produce dual-mode phones for later this year.

Skype current parnters for these GSM/ WiFi dual-mode phones include Nokia and Motorola. One of the issues still to be worked out is whether the dual-mode phones will be released SIM-free, or whether they’ll be able to work out deals with cellular providers. As this sort of Skype experience would be more seamless than some of the current efforts to run Skype on smart phones, including PDAs such as Palm. The key breakthrough is that they could also connect to a mobile network at other times.

This might have been a reference to mobile network 3, which at the end of this year will launch a “specific Skype service” allowing users to call other Skype users for free through their 3 handsets. However, 3’s service will be based through its 3G handsets rather than Wi-Fi, and will probably involve a monthly charge for the service.

While GSM isn’t going to be to everyone’s liking, this is the kind of step forward that is likely to catapult Skype to the top of the VoIP market share, regardless of service category, and help them earn their keep. (Remember that eBay purchased Skype for US$2.6 billion.) Hopefully they’ll be following up with similar announcements for other types of cellular networks.

More detail at Silicon.com