The Best VoIP Software for Your Smartphone
16 January 2007
Computer users have been fortunate enough to have Skype for making free phone calls to any other user anywhere in the world. Mobile phone owners haven't had any alternative except to pay bills from telecommunication networks. In addition, there are the high roaming charges when traveling overseas. Finally, the availability of powerful smartphones is introducing alternatives to the networks' pricing schemes. Skype and other VoIP products are now available for smartphone owners for both free and low-cost phone calls.
What is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)?
When you initiate a call from your mobile phone, it communicates with the network by using a channel that's dedicated to voice calls. The call is transmitted to the nearest base station (cell) and, from there, to the telephone network. When you access the Internet from your phone, information is transmitted through a separate data channel, which is often referred to as 2G, 2.5G, or 3G (GPRS, EDGE, EV-DO, UMTS). Your operator charges you for phone calls that you make through their telephone network. However, if you make a phone call over the Internet, the mobile network company can't charge you for phone calls, because it is just information that is transmitted over the data channel. Naturally, you may have to pay for the use of the data channel.
That's what VoIP, or Internet Telephony, is all about - using the Internet as the carrier for phone calls. Now, wait a minute! If you are not in the telephone network, you don't have a telephone number. Neither does your VoIP-friend who you are trying to call. Instead of a phone number, you get a user id when you sign up for a VoIP service. The user id can be your name, e-mail address, or even something that looks like a telephone number. But when you think about it, isn't a name more convenient than a number when you are referring to people? Anyhow, having to use a new ID is a small price for free or low-cost phone calls.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is an abbreviation you might spot when you are searching for VoIP services. The purpose of SIP is to establish the communication link between the calling parties over the Internet. It is a technical standard specified by the industry that doesn't affect the pricing or ease of use.
Products like Skype, Gizmo, Tivi, and Truphone are true VoIP services. The entire phone call is routed over the data channel and the Internet. There are services that label themselves as VoIP services, but are not VoIP. They are a mixture of software, services, and special telephone numbers. It doesn't really matter one way or the other, because what works and what's easy to use matters much, much more. We have reviewed popular VoIP-like products, such as iSkoot, Jajah and Rebtel. You might want to give them a try if your phone is not compatible with any of the full-blown VoIP products. Typically, VoIP-like products charge for every phone call, because they use the telephone network. They also tend to be more complex to use, because of call-back phone numbers and the pricing schemes the companies apply. Nonetheless, these products can bring considerable savings (for instance, to phone owners who don't have smartphones).
What Do You Need for Using VoIP on Your Phone?
- Wi-Fi or 3G (EDGE, EV-DO, UMTS/WCDMA, HSDPA) connectivity. If you are considering an upgrade to a new smartphone, and intend to make VoIP phone calls, make sure it comes with Wi-Fi. That way, you can keep the costs down. 3G is fine, too. You just need to find an economical 3G data plan that allows transmitting large amounts of data.
- Sufficient memory and processing capacity. In practice, this means that you need a mid-range/high-end smartphone that runs on Linux, Symbian OS, or Windows Mobile.
- A piece of software, like Skype. Solutions like Truphone require configuration of the phone.
- Battery power. Especially, Wi-Fi drains the battery faster than a 3G mobile network connection.
- A Wi-Fi access point at home for VoIP phone calls.
VoIP Products for smartphones
VoIP has been around for 10 years. Although Skype didn't invent it, they made VoIP so easy and accessible that anyone can make VoIP phone calls on their PCs. VoIP on mobile phones is a different story. It is not easy to create as simple a VoIP product for a smartphone as it is to create one for a PC.
A variety of mobile VoIP services, such as Sipgate, VoIPtalk, Freecall, Viatalk, and Fonosip are available, but getting them functional on a smartphone may require extensive hacking. For example, Gizmo is a popular product, but we weren’t able to run Gizmo VoIP on a Nokia N80 (after a reasonable effort) at all. This review will focus on Skype running on a Windows Mobile smartphone, as well as Tivi and Truphone that we tried out on Symbian OS smartphones.
Skype
Skype is the popular Internet telephony product that millions of people have been using during the last few years. In addition to PDA devices, Skype is now available for download for Windows Mobile 5 smartphones . Installation of the software to a smartphone was a breeze. The only thing you may have to check is that your phone has at least 6MB of free internal memory left. If you already have a Skype account, your setup is done after installation. When you login to Skype, you will instantly see your contacts on the phone screen. Then, you are ready to make Skype calls (to PCs and other phones) and SkypeOut calls to ordinary phones. Text-based chat is also included.
Skype was pleasant to use. Setup was easy, the software worked straight away, and we could instantly make a phone call via Wi-Fi and 3G. Although the audio quality is not as excellent as on a PC, it is still very good, even via EDGE connection. You can set Skype to connect via Wi-Fi only. Other settings allow you to restrict who can call or chat with you. Skype's global directory allowed us to search for friends with Skype accounts. Receiving phone calls requires that you have an active connection to a Wi-Fi hotspot or that you are keeping the 3G data channel open to the mobile network.
Tivi
Tivi is a quite ambitious, but fairly straightforward VoIP product. It's ambitious because, in addition to phone calls, you can send text-chat messages, and make live video calls. Tivi is available for Nokia Symbian OS/S60 and Windows Mobile smartphones and for PDAs from HP, HTC, I-Mate, Motorola, Palm, and Samsung.
You can easily set up a video call between smartphones using Tivi.
It is excellent news that Tivi has achieved something that mobile network companies with megamillion budgets have had difficulties with. Successfully establishing a phone-to-phone video call via a mobile network is still black magic. If the phones happen to be on different networks, the odds are especially low. Additionally, the networks tend to charge an extra fee for the service. Well, Tivi doesn't care which network you are accessing, as long as you connect the video call through Tivi. It just works. For free.
Truphone
Truphone is an Internet telephony service that relies on the built-in SIP technology included in a number of new smartphones. First, you have to sign up to the service at the Truphone web page. You'll get a text message that includes a link to the settings you must download and save on your phone. Then, you are able to connect to the Truphone server and register yourself as a user that can be reached via VoIP. To initiate Truphone, you can use TruWizard, which came with the registration download, or you may launch Internet Telephony (it can be found in Main Menu, Internet, Internet Tel.), which is a feature in select S60 smartphones.
The software is compatible only with a few Nokia phone models that are running on Symbian OS/S60: E60, E61, E70, and N80i. The installation and setup of Truphone was confusing. The download package installed several settings that disappeared one by one. Fortunately, one of them worked after several connection attempts to different Wi-Fi hotspots. Truphone only connects via Wi-Fi.
Once Truphone connected to the server and registered itself, it worked well. Audio quality over Wi-Fi was fine. Truphone even includes a voice mailbox service that automatically sends voicemail messages to your e-mail box. The tricky thing with Truphone is that you won't know if the service connects your calls via the telephone network or as a VoIP call via the Internet. Truphone automatically makes the decision based on the availability of the network for your phone and whom you are trying to call. If the receiver is a VoIP user that can be reached via Truphone, the call is free; otherwise, you have to pay telephone network charges.
Recommendations
Skype is an excellent product for people who already have an account and also for everyone who wants a mobile VoIP product that's easy to setup and use. With Skype, you are instantly online, you can see your existing contacts, and you can use your SkypeOut and SkypeIn credits for calls to ordinary phones. Skype is clearly separated from the device's built-in phone. You manage your costs by choosing between the cellular phone and the Internet phone. In practice, we used Skype for outbound calls and picked up inbound calls on the cellular phone, unless we knew that someone wanted to reach us via Skype. In many countries, where the caller pays, this practice is a perfect arrangement. In countries where the receiver pays, mobile VoIP users can continue the familiar procedure of listening to voice messages and returning calls.
Tivi is for people who want free video calls and Internet phone calls. In addition to a number of smartphones and PDAs, Tivi is available for computers. The product is easy to set up and fairly easy to use. You can call ordinary phones as well – and Tivi's prices were lower than Skype's.
We recommend Truphone for people who want to know absolutely nothing about the difference between the Internet phone and cellular phone and who want to avoid making choices between them. The Truphone Internet telephone is integrated with the device's built-in phone, and the product automatically places a call through a cellular network if the Internet call won't go through. Cost control is difficult, but the product can be convenient if its users get the product pre-installed on the device.
Related stories:
- Free Internet Telephone Services Compared
- Smartphones That Let You Make Phone Calls over Wi-Fi Connection or Mobile Network: Introduction to UMA
- Do we really need four wireless technologies in one small, handheld device?
Product reviews:
BZatfring 17.01.2007 01:45
I am not objective, I know, but a mobile-VoIP market review should also include fring (www.fring.com). You may download and test it from our website and I will be happy to help you if required.
anil 27.01.2007 00:37
i need voip software for my smart phone p910i(sony erricson)
Ari 28.01.2007 08:07
Have you tried software/services, like Mino or Soonr on your Sony Ericsson P910i? Technically, they are not pure VoIP products, but still offer lower prices for phone calls. You can find more details here: http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=873
Back2Nature 12.02.2007 00:46
Agree with BZatfring. A good thing of fring is it currently has skype/gtalk/msn services in one software. A lacking behind part is it currently support mainly symbian OS. That's good for me as I am using N80 (w/o i), where Gizmo and Truphone both couldn't work when I tried in Nov/Dec 06.
Vino 15.02.2007 10:32
I recently bought a Nokia N80ie phone and would like to install Skype on it, please can some one help me through the process? Also how do I secure my WiFi network connection? Do I need any anti-virus software for this phone?
Ari 16.02.2007 10:33
Setting up a Wi-Fi network for a smartphone is discussed in this how-to: http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=910 Part 2 will address security. Skype is available for Windows Mobile smartphones, but I haven't seen it for Symbian OS/S60 phones yet.
Niel 22.02.2007 06:15
Vino, install Fring on your phone - it includes Skype, MSN and gtalk. The thing I like about fring is that you can use it even if you aren't in a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Gaines 15.06.2007 13:54
We have Viatalk at our house and I'm looking for software that will allow me to use our existing VoIP service over my phone's unlimited data connection to make calls. This would be a great alternative to using minutes during peak hours. If you know of such a solution, feel free to email me at gaines at kergosien d0t net.
RxB 14.07.2007 20:50
Hi, i loaded skype for mobile on my phone. it worked fine, great tool but the BATTERY DRAINS QUICKLY.. i loaded fring .. achieves the same purposes (messaging and talking) but it used FAR LESS BATTERY. so, my point is .. if you are finding your battery draining quickly, dont despair. try fring and it may solve the problem. both programs are GREAT!!. give both a go ie. skype and fring.
docsharp76 05.02.2008 11:01
This is an excellent article about VOIP. I have been looking for a VoIP Phone Service Provider and found one at www.1-satellite-tv-facts.com/VoIP.html
James 18.05.2008 05:47
I looked all are discussing about Voip. Im already used fring and Tivi. But now im using Nimbuzz. Its a wonderful software for s60 phone. Nimbuzz work on my nokia 6680 nice. By using it u also can call to skype. Its a new application. It's also have chat room. You can try. www.nimbuzz.com. My email is arafatjames@yahoo.Com
yousuf 22.11.2008 05:10 nimbus activation fail& fring is not working with etisalat
fring is not working with etisalat and nimbuzz is showing activation failed kindly send me the like nimbuzz and fring regards yousuf
m.a.samad 06.01.2009 03:02
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Kunal 11.01.2009 02:11
Fring is really good. I use it all the time but it should have video calling as well...
Faisal 12.02.2009 02:54
I am using Talkonaut in mobile..i am frm Dubai..but now a days its not working prperly...is thr any new mobile voip application for calling india cheaply... faisal
Yasir 08.03.2009 05:31
Hi everyone,i want to use very cheap voip call dubai to india,any one know how to use it with my S60
rashmi 09.03.2009 01:00
yasir...try fring app. you can call from s60 to skype pc
A.MOHAMED FAIZAL 15.03.2009 04:20
hi everybody i using talkonaut before its not working properly to use voip call , now a days i using tivi and octrotalk but this i have only trail version , is there any other voip software or cheaply calling cards and above free software pls email................... thank you
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turjo 19.04.2009 06:35 www.technologybangladesh.com
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Michael 14.06.2009 13:26 www.telcomworld.com
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Thachy 24.09.2009 03:33
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Liju 28.09.2009 06:59
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S.G.Patrick 29.09.2009 10:26
Dear friends Iam using Samsung Omnia(windows Mobile) and not able to get any viop software to use in my phone.If any one of know about this softwares Kindy inform me through mail sgrpatrick@yahoo.com or 0505450532 so that i can try that products in my phone.
jess 30.09.2009 02:56
what's wrong with skype... works on my windows mobile
Byju Andrews 15.10.2009 11:47 yahoo.com
If any one knows about any VoIP service is available for Blackberry 8320 phone please send me details.
faiz 18.10.2009 07:20
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Micle 08.11.2009 23:30 www.iptspsolution.com
iTelMobile Dialer can work with Symbian 2nd and 3rd edition mobile hand set and also working good on windows 5 and 6 version mobile hand set. Please take a look on http://www.itelbilling.com/html/mobile-voip-dialer.jsp#mobile_dialer_os
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If you are interested in becoming a 1legcall mobile voip reseller submit an application at Talkfree.com Application page: http://talkfree.com/signUp_form.php Talkfree is the provider of 1legcall
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hari 25.11.2009 13:53
Friends, thru which voip, shall I can call frm my Sony ericsson w995..?
Ari 26.11.2009 02:16
hari, Check this out, should work on your Walkman phone: http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=1222
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Talkfree also recently released the Zonefone Mobile VoIP Dialer. The dialer is very similar to the 1legcall Mobile Dialer - you can even use 1legcall accounts on the Zonefone Dialer.
OSAMA 16.02.2010 01:33 ohoj
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Ä. mydeen 13.03.2010 09:04
hi friends who are using the sony ericsson g900. if any software support on our mobile, pls let me know.
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messiphone voip 04.04.2010 05:07 www.messiphone.com/voip.html
That’s a very good write up. It’s amazing how technology can change so quickly, and how useful it can be. VOIP for mobile is becoming more standard now as businesses are taking advantage of cheaper rates
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mahmud 05.05.2010 23:28 golden
voip voice call
kumar 12.05.2010 08:46
f any one knows about any VoIP service is available for Blackberry 8520 phone please send me details. Call 0555899487
Zara Amy 14.05.2010 16:58 p21793140.profiseller.de
Everybody who is confused about which program to use for using VoIP by mobile phone should check this: whichvoip.com, teltarif.de and myvoipprovider.com I didn't try every program yet but I found the best one is fring since it also supports video calls and even this program automatically starts when you start your phone. As the second program I use Talkonaut. The third program I don't use often is Nimbuzz. Yeigo shall be a nice one, too. I didn't try it out yet. Instantgo only support PushtoTalk but not real Telephony. EQU can't receive calls. Skype works fine but I only use it if I need features like loading SkypeOut credit. There are some further ones. The best Softphones for PC seem to be Snom 360 and ExpressTalk. The best virtual PBXs for running on the PC seem to be Ser and Asterisk. Ser can be found by looking for AG-Projects. From the Apps above only tivi and octrotalk seem to be interesting as possible alternatives to the Apps I already tested.
Zara Amy 14.05.2010 17:06 p21793140.profiseller.de
By the way, if you want to use a dial in access without needing to enter each number after dialing in and you want to use a Betamax company you can download lowcaller for e.g. 12voip or voipraider. Lowcaller only is for Dial-In Accesses if e.g. your internetconnection is interrupted or for some other reason you prefer to use an access number. Lowcaller doesn't support each of the Betamax companies e.g. it doesn't support powervoip. But SIP is supported by even more Betamax companies and there are very few company like Telbo that even don't support SIP. For Example you can use 12voip, voipraider and powervoip by a SIP client on your mobile smartphone like Fring.
Zara Amy 14.05.2010 17:09 p21793140.profiseller.de
EQO I mean - It was a little typing mistake
Zara Amy 14.05.2010 17:13 p21793140.profiseller.de
Bria, Eyebeamer and Lancom Advanced VoIp Client seem to be good ones, too as PC-Softphones
sahabuddin 02.06.2010 08:08
dear all , i have blackberry-8520 give me idea for softwere to operate jumlo voip on my mobile . nibuzz is not supported to it . pls give suggetion on 00966 535321264
sahabuddin 02.06.2010 08:14
dear all , i have blackberry-8520 give me idea for softwere to operate jumlo voip on my mobile . nibuzz is not supported to it . pls give suggetion on 00966 535321264 or inform on sab_patel@rediffmail.com
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Nadim Akbar 07.06.2010 08:46
I need best Voip connection in Samsung Corby Pro handset. Plz mail me or call regarding price
Bd voice 18.06.2010 06:07 bdvoice.wap.sh
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JOSe 24.06.2010 06:25 revka
PLS ANY BODY CAN PROVIDE OR ASSIST FOR A VOIP SOFTWARE MY MOBILE IS G900 MODEL WITH WIFY REGARDS JOS
Syed 02.07.2010 00:05 gmail
gone thru all the reviews but it seems there is no voipthat supports G900 Sony ericson mobile. so we don't need to waste time browsing on the net looking for solution
best voip for blackberry 04.08.2010 04:04 www.roniphone.com/mobile-voip/blackberry-voip.html
you can also use : Vopium ; Jajah Call ,Gizmo5
subhash 08.08.2010 04:39
can we use this software in micromax Q5 for internet browser
Shaju 19.08.2010 01:08
i have sony ericsson g900. if any software support this model please let me know. shajuk38@gmail.com