Cell Phones to take up VoIP gauntlet

VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is poised to be the wave of the future - for cell phones.

Manufacturers plan to meet the needs of those consumers that are less than technologically savvy by upgrading home communication products to have IP capabilities.

Although the cordless phones will be IP enabled, the handsets are not being designed for web surfing activities. They will be more for the quick jobs, like checking online phone directories or listening to online radio.

This will allow consumers internet access without the hassle of booting up their computer for every job. The computer will continue to be the main source for all of the heavier internet activities.

The first line of the new cell phone products is expected out towards the end of 2007. These handsets will only provide VOIP capability. Manufacturers hope that as early as 2008 they will be ready to introduce product lines that also allow video streaming.

The release of the CAT-iq, which stands for Cordless Advanced Technology – internet and quality, is expected to be approved by the European Telecommunications Standards early next year. The Home Gateway Initiative has also been active in the release.

The new CAT-iq handsets will use the same frequencies as the existing DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) phones.

Industry suppliers have seen the future in VOIP and have agreed to begin building phones which can easily connect to broadband IP networks.