Vodafone cripples VoIP for our own good
April 23, 2007
Vodafone has issued a statement detailing exactly why they have been crippling VoIP support on the Nokia N95 in the UK.
Apparently Vodafone “doesn’t believe” VoIP is “a mature technology” and is concerned that it requires “in-depth testing, a solid end-to-end customer experience, billing integration and customer service support which is not currently available”.
The statement goes on to explain: “There is a misleading perception that VoIP services are ‘free’. This is, however, not the case when it comes to using VoIP over mobile where customers will need to use data connectivity to establish a service and may incur further charges.”
“Vodafone feels responsible that customers should not incur unnecessary charges when competitive mobile rates are a cost-effective choice for customers.”
“Lastly, it’s important to note that customers can download VoIP applications if they choose to do so or can use VoIP services via a laptop and data card.”
What they mean is - we can’t make any money from you if your use VoIP over a free Wi-Fi connection!
And considering the whole of the banking district in London (plus other towns / cities) now have completely free Wi-Fi its time Vodafone drag themselves away from the rip off call charges and on to a service charging like broadband.