Taiwan's Far EasTone has signed a contract with Finnish IMS software vendor Movial to enable voice over the operator's HSPA network as well as its in-home HSPA router with Wi-Fi on both handsets and laptops.
Dean Bubley, founder of Disruptive Analysis, reckons that this is the first "official" operator-branded VoIP over 3G service, except for some 3G-based IMS-PoC push-to-talk services like DoCoMo's, plus non-IMS partnerships like Skype/E-Plus.
Bubley said Far EasTone has been able to launch VoIPo3G before HSPA is fully voice-optimized.
"I'm curious about what's happening at the application level in the network, given that there's no specific 3GPP or OMA standard for "Ëœordinary mobile VoIP' yet," he said. He expects to see more laptop-based VoIP services in the future.
The operator says the new service will able it to reach millions of new broadband wireless subscribers and current DSL users. The service gives consumers one phone number for both their PC and mobile, and one bill.
Movial's CEO Jari Ala-Ruona said consumers want a simple and enjoyable experience across multiple devices. "We designed this program to make it easy for user to purchase and start service and also have quality service. This increases the conversion rate of those trying out a new service. Operators have to remember that the competition is just one click away."
He said operators can customize the look and feel of the interface and a launch as white label service.
The company, which helped developed the interface for Nokia's internet tablet, has 115 employees and recently set up sales offices in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.