Mobile Phones VoIP services start-up uses Open-Source Technology

The concept is basically identical to that of Vonage or Skype, but adapted to mobile phones.

Using a software downloaded from Truphone, "the world's first software only network operator", some Nokia smart phones can be configured so that to hook on to wi-fi hot-spots (e.g. those of your home or office network) and route the calls through the internet instead of the mobile operator network.

Short videos on how to install the software, connect to a wi-fi hot-spot when roaming and inter-operate with Google Talk have been posted on YouTube.

At the moment, users in the United States, United Kingdom and elsewhere can all enjoy free calls to landlines in 40 countries worldwide until 30th June 2007 (and of course free calls to other mobile phones with Truphone installed). You'll receive a bonus charge of 2 GBP upon installation, as well.

Obviously, the service is going to be more useful if people can use it when not at home or in the office, too. Realising this, Truphone has teamed up with some hot-spots network operators (however, using those will cost an additional 3 pence per second).

The company appears to have a good exposure in the media (appeared on TV here in the United Kingdom).

I am intrigued by the technology, in particular I like the power of open source and open standards (e.g. Google Talk interoperability) but can not try it as I do not own a compatible phone. Has any of Lxer readers had a chance to test the service? What do you think about it?

Disclosure: I do not work nor have any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in Truphone. I have not even tried their service, as I said.