OT - Bluetooth and VOIP

Currently reading:
OT - Bluetooth and VOIP

M

marko

Guest
To all mobile phone maniacs out there (yes you Rob).

Is there any way I can get a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to make VOIP calls from my Broadband connected PC?
I think it would be similar to the way an in-car bluetooth system would work but obviously charges for the call are not made in the normal way.
SE K750i and Belkin Bluetooth dongle on XP home SP2/3

Thanks
 
Although it is technically possible, I don't know of any mobiles that offer this feature. I am not aware of any handsets that implement this particualr flavour of the Bluetooth protocol. Bluetooth headsets/in car kits in the main just exchange audio data. What you are describing is a bit more complex.

Now, after saying that, my company (BT) has recently announced the arrival of BT Fusion. This is a mobile/home phone system that uses a "mobile phone" handset that connects via Bluetooth to a DSL line via a broadband router in the home for your home service, and as soon as you leave your home, it switches to the mobile network. Now you really only need one phone.

Check it out here...

http://www.btfusion.bt.com/

Hope that helps :)

Rob
 
I knew you'd come through...not the best pitch i've heard though! :)

I only asked because I'm sure i've seen standalone units but they all have built in Skpe base units and wire free handsets broadcasting on DECT like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Skype-Dualphone-USB-Voip-Phone-Cordless-Olympia_W0QQitemZ5808242769QQcategoryZ98865QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So, is it technically possible to do this with the kit i have and it just remains for a developer to create the software?
If BT are looking into it there must be knowledge of the general idea already out there but where?
If what you say is true, then I just need to find a piece of software that can interpret and reproduce the same audio signal the phone does in-car?
cheers
 
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
BT aren't "thinking" about it, it's happening. This will be available within the year. And it's not as simple as a bit of software, I'm afraid. There is the issue of security, the handset has to contain the bluetooth hardware that conforms to the correct protocols. At the moment, the Motorola handset shown on the BTFusion site is the only one capable. If your handset doesn't comply, no bit of software would do anything. Until BTFusion arrives, you are looking at Skype or another VoIP provider like Draytel for proper VoIP services.

Rob
 
Damn fine idea.

I don't suppose you recall who was behind the "Rabbit" phone scheme?
 
Yes, Rabbit was a product of Hutchison Telecom, who went on to give us the Orange mobile network.

Rabbit was a great idea, but relied upon a seperate network of tranceiver points. You often saw these on places like railway stations, identified by the blue Rabbit logo.

Very expensive, impractical and probably ahead of it's time but the thought was there. BTFusion utilises the existing mobile network and maximises the potential of Broadband. BT is making huge leaps forward in Broadband. Everything we do is centered around it, even our new Phone Book strategies, of which I will tell you more of later ;)
 
A document I found from 1992



"The Rabbit Cordless System [14/12/92]

Rabbit is the latest cordless system from Hutchison Telecom, provider of
mobile communications worldwide.

The ultimate cordless phone

At home it gives you the freedom to make and take calls whenever you like. But
what makes Rabbit different from other cordless phones, is that when you go
out, your Rabbit goes too. It's a revolutionary new way of making calls when
you're out and about so you can keep in touch wherever you are.

Rabbit at home

With the Rabbit cordless phone system you'll never miss another call. In range
of your private base station, which connects to your existing telephone line,
you can use your Rabbit anywhere in the house, in the garage or out in the
garden. And the latest in digital technology ensures that calls are crystal
clear, secure and free from interference.

Rabbit makes perfect sense for the business person who needs to stay in
constant touch.

At work too

It's an affordable business tool that means you're no longer tied to your
desk, nor to public phone boxes when you're out and about.

When you're on the move, you can use your Rabbit to make a call whenever you
are within range of a Rabbit sign. Your call will connect instantly onto
the national phone network via the Rabbit base station located close to the
sign.

Rabbit out and about

You'll find Rabbit signs wherever you're most likely to want to make a call.

These have been installed in town and city centres, underground and railway
stations, roadside restaurants and motorway service areas, shopping centres,
airports - places where you want to make calls - so no more coins, queues
or cards!

The Rabbit cordless phone

o tough, light, simple to use
o full display panel indicating handset on, number dialled, battery condition,
operation status
o digital technology for secure clear conversation
o built in aerial
o volume adjuster for noisy enviroments
o ten number memory
o last number redial
o keypad lock preventing unauthorised use
o key protect
o tone selection (DTMF)
o PBX recall facility
o supplied with Duracell batteries

The Rabbit park + charge unit

o convenient recharging cradle for cordless phone
o fully recharges phone within a few hours
o supplied with re-chargeable batteries
o desk/wall mounting option
o safety charge detector

The Rabbit private base station

o plugs into existing telephone line
o use with up to nine Rabbit phones
o in-use indicator light
o page button to alert all registered Rabbit phones in range
o simple DIY fixing attachments
o REN of 1

Always in touch

When you're out and about you can stay contactable at all times with a
discreet message alert. Available from your Rabbit stockist, clip to or carry
it in your pocket and you'll be alerted when a message is waiting. With Rabbit
Recall, you simply call your personal messaging service to hear the message
and respond when you choose using your Rabbit phone.

Rabbit gives you a portable communications system as a price you can afford.

Affordable communications

When making calls from home, the standard domestic rates apply, whilst outdoor
calls are similar to what you'd pay in a callbox - 20p a minute peak (8am-8pm,
Monday-Friday), and just 10p a minute at all other times."
 
Sorry, meant on BT Fusion.
Cost of equipment, contract costs

The website provides only a rough outline with no roll-out timescales.

Also, if you happen to be aware of any imminent compatible products.

Many thanks.
 
I seem to recall reading somewhere that London Transport were considering installing transmitters to extend network coverage below ground level.

Don't suppose you know anything more definate?
 
LOL ! Sorry :)

Well, the website is as much as most know unless your involved in the project. It is supposed to become available this year.

Call charges are shown on the website, and you will have to be a BT Broadband user. I'm not sure on contracts and monthly costs, but it might even just be a standard line rental and a monthly Broadband fee, then just pay for your calls. They might even just have an all in one line rental/DSL charge. Not sure though.

The hardware is also listed there. A Motorola V560 with all the features of a current mobile but with the connection capabilities to hook up to the BT Hub. I guess this will be offered as a package, with options on additional handsets (Up to 6 can be used on each Hub).

As for compatibility, I believe the Hub is an 802.11g WiFi hub, so completely compatible with any existing WiFi hardware.

Register your interest on the site and I'm sure they'll send out information :)
 
Yes, LT are installing mobile network transmitters on many lines, but this is nothing to do with BT :)
 
BTConfusion, sorry BTFusion has been knocking about for ages, and something BT have been talking about for years...
See here for a comparison to Skype:
"This is the Rover 75 of the phone business," said one analyst at the launch. "It looked brilliant on paper, but it's taken them so long to get it to market that it's out of date. It's also not ready.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/06/15/btfusion_launch/

And even as they get ready to launch it fully, they have announced trials of Bluephone2 giving VoWLAN
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/wireless/0,39020348,39191352,00.htm
much more useful than Bluephone.

BT have been talking about the idea of Bluephone since DECT handsets and digital mobiles first came out 10 years ago, but they never managed to remove the major negative points to it. It seems they still haven't, yes Bluephone is quite a cheap service, but calls to it are charged at Vodafone mobile rates.
 
Blimey, that is a really cynical and slightly mis-informed article ! LOL Typical of technology commentators.

I won't bother picking out some of the inaccuracies, but BTFusion represents the first steps towards total VoIP. Skype can't offer a similar package. And yes, the WiFi package is hot on it's heels, but that's progress for you.

Still, if you don't want it, don't use it :)

Rob
 

Similar threads

J
Replies
1
Views
608
Dark Lurker
D
M
Replies
12
Views
496
M
T
Replies
7
Views
571
Tommy K
T
D
Replies
0
Views
505
Dark Lurker
D
Back
Top