T-Mobile Now Offering Home VoIP Service

T-Mobile USA is launching its HotSpot @Home service today. This allows consumers to make unlimited free wireless phone calls over a Wi-Fi connection.

With VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), phone calls are made directly over the Internet, rather than going over dedicated phone lines. Unlike traditional phone service there's no charge for long distance calls with VoIP, and unlike regular wireless phone services there's no limit on the amount of talk time.

Many corporations have discovered the advantages of VoIP, and T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home service brings this to regular consumers.

"More people than ever are looking to drop their home landline phone and pocket the savings. However, they don't want to use all their wireless minutes talking from home. Our new service solves this dilemma once and for all," said Robert Dotson, president and CEO, T-Mobile USA.

Both Wi-Fi and Cellular

While at home, those who use this service can make unlimited domestic calls over Wi-Fi. They also have the option of using any of the nearly 8,500 T-Mobile hotspot locations across the country to make calls.

When users get out of range of a hotspot, their calls seamlessly transfer onto T-Mobile's cellular-wireless network. Calls also transfer from T-Mobile's network onto Wi-Fi.

New Hardware Required

Using the HotSpot @Home service requires a phone that supports this function. T-Mobile today is introducing two HotSpot phones -- the Samsung t409 and the Nokia 6086. Each of these currently sells for $50 with a two-year contract and a qualifying rate plan.

The service also requires a Wi-Fi router that supports it. T-Mobile is offering routers from D-Link and Linksys.

In addition, HotSpot @Home requires that users have a broadband connection to the Internet, such as a cable modem or DSL. The cost for this isn't included in the monthly service charge for VoIP service.

Pricing and Availability

To kick off the launch of this service, it can be added to any qualifying T-Mobile voice plan for only $9.99 per month for a single line, or $19.99 per month for up to five lines on a FamilyTime plan.

HotSpot @Home is now available nationwide.