O2 are trialling a new VoIP service that will let customers use text and voice services over standard WiFi networks. Named “O2 Connect” it’s currently in testing but will shortly be available on iOS and Android smartphones. We assume that this will be similar to the Orange Signal Boost technology and will keep your normal mobile number in place.
Richard Porter, Head of Consumer Mobile Products for O2, stated…
This trial will allow us to explore the potential of delivering VoIP services to customers. We hope to launch O2 Connect as a commercial service in 2012.
An invite-only trial is currently under way.
Link – Press Release
O2 launches trial of new mobile service that allows customers to make phone calls to mobile and landlines over WiFi
O2 today announces its plans to offer VoIP technology to customers through the launch of O2 Connect, a trial mobile service that allows smartphone users to use voice and text services over wifi networks from their normal mobile number to any UK mobile or landline number. O2 Connect will initially be available on iOS and Android smartphones and will subsequently roll out to other devices.
“This trial will allow us to explore the potential of delivering VoIP services to customers. We hope to launch O2 Connect as a commercial service in 2012.” explained Richard Porter, Head of Consumer Mobile Products, O2 in the UK.
A limited number of people will be able to take part in the trial to assess how this type of service can be deployed to customers as well as participating in the development of new features.
The trial will commence in October 2011 by invitation only and will include O2 consumer and business customers. The trial will also be extended to attendees at Wired 2011.
O2 Connect is the latest in a series of developments from O2 Labs. O2 Labs aims to introduce new services in different ways, with extensive beta testing and involvement of customers in the product development process.