UK digital giant and cable operator Virgin Media have announced plans to introduce customer trials of a new SmartCall service which will allow their phone line customers with a Smartphone to use the unlimited calls feature from their home phone talk plan on their mobile, anywhere in the world.
There are, however, a couple of requirements - such as users requiring a wireless internet connection as well as a Smartphone app - in order to manage the service and detect whether or not a SmartCall is possible from the users location.
It's an idea that has (quite rightly) got Virgin very excited, as their executive director Graham Oxby explained: "Whether you are on a beach in Bali or a Cornish coffee shop, SmartCall will stretch the telephone cord right the way to you."
He continued to explain that: "This revolutionary service is an example of just how technology can make our lives easier as well as giving customers incredible value".
Virgin claims to be very encouraged by their recently completed 'technical trials' of the service and is now hoping that in opening up the service to a limited customer base in the coming weeks, the service will prove successful enough to open up to all customers in early 2013.
Although the challenge of competing with Microsoft and Skype - two of the worlds most successful technology and telecommunications companies - for market share is a daunting one, Virgin are confident that their new service will entice many customers away from Skype, who for many years have had the low-cost Voip marketplace to themselves.
But whether or not the initiative catches on is another matter. It seems likely that the service will appeal to those who are already Virgin Media customers and subscribe to one of their packages, but with so many service providers out there, competition for market share is fierce.
And when you stack Virgin's stats against their competitors in the Voip arena, it is clear that they still have a lot of ground to make up against specialist Voip providers who can offer much technical insight and value for money.
But that being said, no-one would bet against them establishing a position of authority in the coming months and years. But until then, if you are looking for a specialised Voice Over IP service provider for your business needs, please don't go for the cheapest option, but instead look for one with a proven history and great customer service. You'll be glad you did.
There are, however, a couple of requirements - such as users requiring a wireless internet connection as well as a Smartphone app - in order to manage the service and detect whether or not a SmartCall is possible from the users location.
It's an idea that has (quite rightly) got Virgin very excited, as their executive director Graham Oxby explained: "Whether you are on a beach in Bali or a Cornish coffee shop, SmartCall will stretch the telephone cord right the way to you."
He continued to explain that: "This revolutionary service is an example of just how technology can make our lives easier as well as giving customers incredible value".
Virgin claims to be very encouraged by their recently completed 'technical trials' of the service and is now hoping that in opening up the service to a limited customer base in the coming weeks, the service will prove successful enough to open up to all customers in early 2013.
Although the challenge of competing with Microsoft and Skype - two of the worlds most successful technology and telecommunications companies - for market share is a daunting one, Virgin are confident that their new service will entice many customers away from Skype, who for many years have had the low-cost Voip marketplace to themselves.
But whether or not the initiative catches on is another matter. It seems likely that the service will appeal to those who are already Virgin Media customers and subscribe to one of their packages, but with so many service providers out there, competition for market share is fierce.
And when you stack Virgin's stats against their competitors in the Voip arena, it is clear that they still have a lot of ground to make up against specialist Voip providers who can offer much technical insight and value for money.
But that being said, no-one would bet against them establishing a position of authority in the coming months and years. But until then, if you are looking for a specialised Voice Over IP service provider for your business needs, please don't go for the cheapest option, but instead look for one with a proven history and great customer service. You'll be glad you did.
About the Author:
Saul Saresi writes regularly about Voip systems and technology for his website which can be found here business phone previous examples of his research and writing can be found here business voip system
The Communication Blog
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