Are the wireless networks going to migrate over to VoIP in much the similar way that fixed networks did: core first and then the edge?
That is one logical path of pushing packetization to the edge. But in the wireless market, the end user VoIP is taking off in parallel. That is something fixed networks did not see in late nineties.
There are various flavors of end user mobile VoIP. How would you categorize them?
Well, apart from mobile callback, which is not necessarily mobile VoIP, you have the likes of Skype and Fring that are targeting PC based VoIP users more and trying to transfer or migrate them over to mobile VoIP. They are looking to leverage the existing PC VoIP user market to build their user base. We view mobile VoIP as a new standalone market where PC is cut out of the equation. Truphone type companies leverage SIP client capability of existing smartphones. They are not able to control user experience. Those three approaches determine the various flavors of mobile VoIP you see out there.
Would you consider FMC providers as part of the mobile VoIP thing?
There is definitely a space for them. But the FMC services rely on hardware based solutions which make it difficult to upgrade in terms of functionality and dynamically change according to the market needs. A software application on the other hand can be upgraded more frequently and allows you to brand and give you so much more control. It is much easier to add value added applications to software based mobile VoIP service.
Do you see companies like yourself adding handover capability in the future?
We can do so. It is not beyond our capability. However the users are still trying to understand difference between GSM call and a VoIP call. It becomes very difficult to communicate with the FMC user why the cost of the call changes, when it changes, and why it changes. It just complicates things a bit more for the service provider.
Most mobile telephony arbitrage solutions have a label. There is mobile callback, FMC, and good old calling cards. What do we call mobile VoIP service over broadband that is softclient driven with the softclient sitting on the mobile phone?
There is some terminology flying around. Most people call it mobile VoIP but it is still a confusing concept because most of the people do not understand difference between callback and a data call.
Mobile VoIP is a broad term. It can also mean a mobile operator packetizing the core of the network.
Yes. One way of looking at the issue is from a platform point of view. You can build SMS services, callback services, IM, and VoIP on top of these platforms. VoIP could be the first step.
If we are now productizing the mobile VoIP solution, what would you call it? Is there a PC equivalent of this thing?
The nearest thing would be to compare with social network platforms like Facebook.
Why don’t you offer white labeled mobile VoIP platform?
We do offer white labeled platforms.
Who are the target customers for that solution?
It is the fixed line tier 2 operators who do not have a mobile service. They can then offer this as a data service to their corporate customers. Mobile VoIP technology allows users to choose their own mobile broadband provider.
Do you envisage competition coming from handset vendors?
They will be selling the client, not the service. That is the crucial difference there.
When companies such as Yeigo become acquisition targets, who would be the potential acquirers?
There is potentially interest from those service providers who do not have mobile operations in place. The other type of companies would be possibly the WiMAX service providers who would need a VoIP client to drive voice service.
Founders of Yeigo
