Irish Wi-Fi softphone company Cicero Networks has been selected by international mobile roaming firm Comfone AG to power the Swiss company’s mobile voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service.
As a result of using Cicero’s technology, Comfone will enable fixed and mobile operators to deliver both voice and messaging services using wireless VoIP (wVOIP) using Wi-Fi and existing GSM networks.
CiceroPhone’s features include SIM authentication, support for public/private identities on 2G SIM cards and multiple IP/cellular handover methods.
Lorcan Burke, vice-president of sales at Cicero, said that the resultant Comfone wVOIP service does not require any upfront investment or network adaptation for operators.
As a result, time to market for wVOIP services is reduced, enabling telecom firms to enjoy ‘first mover’ advantage in their respective markets. Regardless of the network choice, users maintain a single number and receive a single bill for both services.
“The unique aspect of Comfone’s wVoIP service is that it enables mobile operators to maintain their relationship with existing subscribers and also attract new customers as the telecoms market moves towards an era of convergence,” said Raphael Karlen, senior product manager, Comfone.
In recent months Cicero struck a similar deal with Norwegian wireless service provider Hello to deliver fixed-mobile convergence services to its business and residential customers.
Prior to that Cicero struck a deal deploy its technology on Taiwanese manufacturer HTC’s latest smart phone device.
By John Kennedy
