Will Skype Mobile phones ever effectively replace cell phones?

[FelixDeCat]

Ive never used Skype, but it only works while in a WIFI area. But what if you are out in the boonies and need to call someone, what then? I know EDGE, GPRS or 3G is usually available anywhere theres a cell signal, but can you use that in place of WIFI to make calls? Even so, the previously mentioned signals are weak when you are way out in a rural area.

 

[Aikouka]

I can use Skype on my cell phone via Edge or 3G.

 

[nonameo]

VOIP maybe, but not skype by itself.

 

[SagaLore]

Well, no, not really. Our cell phones are now small computers. Skype is just software that lets you call over VOIP. If anything, Skype will just compete in this market as an addon service, to help bypass long distance costs.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: nonameo
VOIP maybe, but not skype by itself.

I mentioned Skype, but I guess any voip company could apply. And now that Ive thought about it, if 4G is as good as they say it is, maybe one day all cell phones will be VOIP. However, I still prefer dedicated cell towers / service.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: SagaLore
Well, no, not really. Our cell phones are now small computers. Skype is just software that lets you call over VOIP. If anything, Skype will just compete in this market as an addon service, to help bypass long distance costs.

Yes but if the nation could be seamlessly blanketed with WIFI signals even in the most rural areas, wouldnt that signal the end of cell phones eventually?

 

[SunnyD]

Uh... no? You use skype on a mobile you're still using a carrier's minutes.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: SunnyD
You use skype on a mobile you're still using a carrier's minutes.

Not what the OP is talking about. Example

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: SagaLore
Well, no, not really. Our cell phones are now small computers. Skype is just software that lets you call over VOIP. If anything, Skype will just compete in this market as an addon service, to help bypass long distance costs.

Yes but if the nation could be seamlessly blanketed with WIFI signals even in the most rural areas, wouldnt that signal the end of cell phones eventually?

Someone would still have to pay for that.

Originally posted by: SunnyD
Uh... no? You use skype on a mobile you're still using a carrier's minutes.

? It's only data unless they gotten smart to our shenanagins and filter that stuff out.

 

[ed21x]

Originally posted by: Aikouka
I can use Skype on my cell phone via Edge or 3G.

this.

we're still going to be using our cell towers as the infrastructure for 3g/edge/etc... but thats about it. In the future, everything will be digitized and done over the internet.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser

Originally posted by: SunnyD
You use skype on a mobile you're still using a carrier's minutes.

Not what the OP is talking about. Example

Right, but EDGE/3G/GPRS != 802.11 wifi. You're still using carrier minutes (or as pointed out, their data plan). Does anyone have a phone with just a data plan and no voice? Do any carriers even ALLOW that?

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Someone would still have to pay for that.


? It's only data unless they gotten smart to our shenanagins and filter that stuff out.

I guess youre right for now. But the 4G infrastructure could be built by the government though as some future stimulus project! 🙂

And as far as data plans, I pay $19 per month on top of my cell phone for unlimited data either on a cell phone or hooked up to a PC using a mini usb cable (cell modem) with Tmobile. That same service would be $49 per month for up to 5gb with ATT on top of my cell service, and if you hook it up to a laptop you pay even more per month! 🙁