Net calls take wing with Wi-Fi phones

摘要

The idea of using the internet to make free phone calls is getting more popular by the minute. But while "voice over internet protocol" (VoIP) phones can save money, having to use a computer for all your phone calls is hardly convenient. That's about to change with the launch this year of cellphones with built-in Wi-Fi capability that link to low-cost internet connections, and a new breed of landline phone that plugs straight into a broadband internet connection. Together these are expected to be the killer development that brings VoIP into the consumer mainstream.