Mobile Phone Switches Seamlessly Between IP, Cellular Modes

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has prototyped a mobile phone that can function as both a cell phone and an IP phone, switching seamlessly in mid-conversation, according to Mobile Media Japan.

"Although a handset that works on both cellular networks and wireless LANs might affect the business of cellular providers, the NICT intends to call on these firms to adopt the technology. Its goal is to establish the technology as an industrial standard after two years.

Corporations are just starting to use mobile IP phones as a cheap alternative to internal phone lines in their office buildings, and wireless LANs that can accommodate mobile IP phones are expected to eventually become common in places like train stations and hotels."

emily | 9:22 AM | Technology |
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