Where are we at with VOIP?
 

Forgive my ignorance as I have been out of the BlackBerry news game for sometime now...

I did a quick search on the forum for this, but failed to come up with anything definitive.

Where are we at with VOIP solutions for BlackBerry? Skype? Fring? Others?

I heard that Skype for BlackBerry really isn't a standalone VOIP client, and somehow uses carrier minutes when calling.

I'm asking this as I'm considering upgrading my ipod touch for a 2nd gen version for skype use (but would prefer to simply use my bb if possible)...

Thanks for your input/thoughts.

Might try a search. Lots of discussion.

SKYPE app still in beta but I really don't see that it will be useful for other than international since it costs minutes.

Hmmm I guess my mind is already on weekend mode... Thanks, I'll have another look.

VOIP for BlackBerry is still a long way off. SKYPE told me at CTIA they will not make a VOIP client for the BlackBerry

I really don't understand why..... Real shame :-(

I really can't see VoIP on a cellular device as being all that worthwhile anyway. You still need a voice plan and a data plan. Maybe if you are constantly hooked to WiFi, but even with that voice quality and latency are still issues.

Lest we not forget that Skype, currently owned by eBay, is in a bit of a legal battle with the original authors over rights. eBay, who paid WAY too much for Skype, either wants to sell it or do an IPO, which they can't do in legal limbo.

Hmmm, well I think it's assumed that we all have a voiceplan on our cellphone, although I don't see why it would even be necessary to have one in order to use VOIP. Data plan yes...
Fair enough if you don't feel the need, but believe me there is a huge demand for such a client, especially now that iPhone users are enjoying numerous options.

True true, but what about Fring? ;)

I can see why carriers would cringe at the idea of berry users using "free" voip software, but that doesn't explain why it's not in development (since it's really not up to them).

With BB data going through RIM, I think VOIP of any kind isn't going to work as well as on other types of phones. If they could really open the pipe and let a wifi connection go unhindered then some kind of app would be worth developing.

Data is one thing but the carriers still control voice. You don't need a data plan to use voice on a BB...

The idea with true VOIP is the call would be made over the data connection instead of the cell network. So someone could have a plan with fewer minutes.

And RIM is not going to do anything to jeopardize their relationship with the carriers - who sell the devices for them.

The true idea is to have "free calling".

I am interested from an integration stand point. We use VOIP in our business. I would like the option to answer the phone from my BB on the go, but not forward etc, as I can't always answer. I believe there are other uses of it for me as well, but I haven't looked at it too hard as it doesn't seem to be much of an option for us yet.

If the iphone has and is using it well, RIM better get on board.