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D-Link today introduced a new line of "V-CLICK" handsets that switch from traditional GSM to Wi-Fi networks.
A user could hop onto a Wi-Fi network when in range and save money, as well as ensure their call won't drop while indoors. Handing off a call between a cellular and Wi-Fi network has proven quite complicated but T-Mobile has been testing such a service in Seattle.
The D-Link phone features tri-band GSM support (900/1800/1900 MHz) and a two-inch 176x220 pixel color screen. Battery life of the phone is about 5 hours of talk time using GSM and 2 hours over Wi-Fi. D-Link says users can turn off the Wi-Fi to conserve power. The handset includes Opera Mini for browsing the Web and logging into Wi-Fi hotspots.
The V-CLICK is unlocked, meaning it can work with any wireless provider that uses GSM, including Cingular and T-Mobile in the United States. GSM is the primary wireless technology in Europe, and will work with any pre-paid or standard SIM card.
But it won't be cheap. The initial V-CLICK model is scheduled to ship early next year at a retail price of $599.99 USD. Vonage and D-Link have also launched a Co-Branded Wireless-B/G Broadband Router bundled with Vonage Service. A Wireless-B/G Broadband Router with 2 phone ports will be available through Vonage for $59.99 (after a $40 instant rebate).
A new study predicts that U.S. cable operators will have 24% of residential telephone customers at year-end 2009, up from a 5% share in 2005, while phone companies will have claimed just 6% of residential video customers by then.
Convergence Consulting Group’s twice yearly “Battle for the North American Couch Potato” report also indicated that regional Bell operating companies’ phone-line losses will hit 9% of the base in 2006, up from a 8% line loss in 2005.
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