How to Fix your Cell Phone Coverage

If you're experiencing poor cell phone coverage, there are several steps you can take to try and improve the situation. Here are some potential solutions:

What is Best for Wireless Consumers?

What might actually be the best thing ever for consumers could royally screw the carriers. Twenty years of wireless carrier stifling innovation and counting. I think there are two companies (AT&T and Verizon) plus the cable companies who have held back the US from technology innovation.

Google could become a voice service provider and would unquestionably piss off the carriers who are their "partners". Who wouldn’t expect them to eventually become a voice service provider for wireless maybe through a WiFI network? It's just a matter of time. Google could then make unlocked Android phones available in the U.S. online or through traditional retail channels. I am waiting for the day.

Does MagicJack Work?

Our Review of the Walt Mossberg Review of Magic Jack (DCZ)

By Walt Mossberg When I see a high-tech product (DCZ: with good PR people who get it to you first) that's advertised mainly via frequent hard-sell TV ads as if it were a diet pill, I tend to assume it can't be very good (DCZ: your late to the game if 4M people have purchased?), especially if its price is absurdly low. So, I haven't paid much attention to a product called magicJack, a small $40 adapter for your computer that claims to let you make unlimited domestic phone calls over the Internet with your home telephone free for a whole year—and for just $20 a year thereafter. (DCZ:  because it wasn't originally sold through mainstream retail and was hated by the big carriers?)

But after receiving reader requests to review magicJack (DCZ: Why?), I decided to do so. To my surprise, it worked pretty much as advertised. It has a few drawbacks, and extra fees for added services, such as vanity phone numbers. But I found magicJack easy to set up and easy to use, and it yielded decent, if not pristine, call quality. I even tested customer support—a source of complaints online—and found it friendly, fast, and responsive.

Magic Jack is a new device and service that allows you to make cheap phone calls through your computer. Overall, the product works as advertised, Walt Mossberg found. MagicJack looks like an oversized USB flash drive. On one end is a standard USB connector for the PC; on the other is a standard phone jack to plug in a phone. It's compatible with PCs running Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, as well as with all Intel-based Macs. It works with both corded and cordless phones, and comes with software for dialing, though you can also dial directly from a connected phone.

The low annual fee covers calls to and from any phone on any telephone network—landline or cellphone—not just phones connected to computers or to other magicJack. The only restriction is that the numbers called must be in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can also buy low-cost prepaid international minutes, or take your magicJack abroad to make free calls home. You can move it among different computers and locations.

MagicJack can also be used without a phone handset, via a computer headset or the computer's built-in microphone and speakers.  There's nothing new about Internet (DCZ: VoIP) phone calls. Companies like Vonage and Skype have been doing it for years. But magicJack is different. It emphasizes calling to and from phones on regular wired and wireless phone networks, and its prices for calls to and from such non-Internet-connected phones are much lower.  (DCZ: MagicJack is 2X larger than Vonage with 2M customers and would be curious to see what the service quality performance record is compared to Skype)

For instance, the lowest plan advertised on Vonage's Web site for calling regular phones in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico is $17.99 a month, or about $216 a year, versus magicJack's $20. And Vonage gives you only 500 minutes a month, while magicJack sets no limit. Skype charges per minute or monthly fees for calls to regular phones and an added fee to receive incoming calls.  (DCZ: What about Google Voice?)

The maker of magicJack says its low prices are possible because the product is produced by a privately held Florida company called YMAX, which is also a phone carrier (DCZ:  also known as a CLEC). The company also runs ads inside its software. You can buy the device at a wide variety of stores, even drugstores and convenience stores. (DCZ: Do you think they might actually make more money off of location-based advertising eventually?)

I tested magicJack on both a PC and a Mac. The software resides inside the magicJack itself and installs each time you connect it.  In my tests, I made and received calls on both computers, using a single landline phone and using a cordless-phone system in my house after plugging its base station into the magicJack. In the latter case, I could make and receive calls from cordless phones all over my house. I exchanged calls with both landline phones and cellphones from the magicJack.  The call quality was good, except for a few times when the connection got scratchy for a second or two. Most of the people I called said they couldn't tell I wasn't on a regular call. The system offers voice mail, call forwarding, and conference calls, and you can save contacts.  A couple of times I didn't get an immediate dial tone and had to hang up and try again.

The biggest downside of the magicJack compared with regular phone service is that you have to be running an Internet-connected computer, with a magicJack installed anytime you want to make or receive calls.  (DCZ:  It also works with WiFi?) Also, as with all Internet phone systems, you have to register your address with 911 emergency systems.   With magicJack, you get a new phone number. The company says it is working on allowing you to port your existing landline number. You can keep your landline number for use on some phones or when you're not using magicJack.

I found magicJack worked better on Windows than on the Mac. (DCZ:  Not a shocker) At one point, magicJack customer support had to send me software to patch the Mac version. But the company claims it is fixing that with a new Mac version coming soon.

YMAX also says it plans to roll out this year a Skype-like service that won't require any magicJack hardware, just a PC or an iPhone. It also plans a new version of magicJack to turn cellphones into wireless magicJack handsets. (DCZ:  This is going to be called the Femto Jack)

I don't know if those diet pills in the TV ads work. (DCZ:  Direct response marketing works) But magicJack does.

Apple Attacking Overpriced Carrier Text Messaging Plans

Apple announced some new features today during its Worldwide Developers Conference that will affect wireless carrier revenues in the future.  AT&T and Verizon each make about $10 Billion dollars per year on text messaging revenue plans per year from their 30 million customers.  Apple's new, free iMessage service should be a heard as a "shot across the bow" to the wireless carriers who overcharge for text messaging services which should be free.  Apple's new iMessaging service will go over the data network, and won't count towards your 500 or 1000 text messaging monthly plans.  If you are only messaging your friends with iPhone's or Apple devices you are in luck and may never have to pay for an SMS data package again.

Paying $10 for text messaging does not make any sense and should be free. The average AT&T iPhone users sends 621 text messages per month on AT&T.  This costs the average iPhone subscriber .33 cents per day or $10 per month to send something that costs a fraction of penny to perform.  The gross margins on text messaging for carriers are astronomical and the service should be free.  Similar services like Skype, Google Voice, Twitter and Facebook provide free service for consumers and are actually better services.  These services are all free for PC or Mac users who access the internet through WiFi and $25 a month through an existing data plan.

One concern about eliminating the data plan is that the carriers will undoubtedly try and start gouging consumers even more on data plans.  So we recommend to all consumer get used to finding, using and putting up free WiFi whenever possible.  Free data is the only way of the future.

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Apple iCloud Launches as MobileMe Fails

Offloading Cellular Data in the Wrong Direction

Are Consumers Offloading Cellular Data in the Wrong Direction?

The wireless telecom marketing machines have brainwashed the mainstream media into thinking that the term "offload" data is best for consumers.  I hate the term "offload" because it implies it's ok for YOU the customer to subsidize YOUR wireless operator's network deficiencies.  3G and 4G networks have hit the wall with consumers using too much data and WiFi is becoming the only solution to access video and rich content on your phone.  Mobile phone operators should be PAYING YOU or subsiding your data plan if you offload data away for them.  They should not be allowed to simply get away with this criminal marketing activity.

Sophisticated phone users know that WiFi-only phones and devices are best and use the 3G and 4G networks only if they have to.  It is now possible to easily travel in New Zealand, Europe and many other countries around the world without ever using a 2G or 3G network.  Making phone calls on WiFi with VoIP is very easy and accessing your data over WiFi is even easier.

Mobile consumer users should be offloading data TO 3G when WiFi is not available and not the other way around.  Why are wireless carriers AT&T and Verizon getting away with convincing their customers to offload their cellular 3G data they cannot handle without any compensation of subsidy.  Let's face it the carriers are starting to hit a wall with the amount of data capacity they can provide on their networks.  The wireless carriers' only solution is to start imposing data caps to encourage their own customers to use their service less while charging you more.  This doesn't make any sense and the reason a WiFi revolution is upon us and consumers need to start getting smart about where, when and why they access and use 3G and 4G networks.  Consumers are fed up with buying 3G and 4G devices that only work some of the time and would prefer to use more cost-effective WiFi-only iPads whenever possible.  WiFi-only iPads are selling more than 3G and there is a good reason why.  

Why is T-Mobile WiFi Calling is Not Free?

Why is T-Mobile WiFi Calling Not Free

We just spoke with a friendly T-Mobile customer service representative who took the time to look up & read the actual billing policy.  Wifi calling is be billed exactly like normal cell phone tower calls just like nights & weekends, my faves, & mobile-to-mobile.  The Wifi usage minutes will be reflected on your bill, unfortunately.  The question remains will this last forever as Google Voice and Skype start to steal revenue and minutes from the carrier.  One of the benefits of making Wifi phone calls is to save money and not pay $1.25 per minute to make calls overseas.  To do this most iPhone and Android users have used the Skype, Truphone or Google Voice apps to make cheap calls that range from .02-.05 cents per minute.  Since you are not using T-Mobile's network and using free wifi, it doesn't make any sense to still pay the ridiculous rates of $1.25 per minute to make calls overseas and this will need to change.  

T-Mobile has had a reputation for having an inferior network to Verizon, Sprint & AT&T in some areas.  However, if you live in a major metropolitan area the coverage is pretty good.  For many T-Mobile users who live in heavily wooded areas, the hills or simply where a cell phone tower signal does not reach into their home.  Wifi is now an option to make and receive phone call.  

Wifi phone calling endorsed by the carrier is a major industry breakthrough as all of the major carriers have been putting this development off for about a decade for fear of cannibalizing their overprice voice subscription business.  For the millions of people who don't have a signal in their home or office all you have to is have an Android phone and it will update your system automatically to make calls.  

T-Mobile has been the one US carrier that has not taken a femtocell strategy of fixing in-building coverage.  Instead, they have partnered with Kineto app that allows Android phone users to make Wifi phone calls.  This is interesting because Kineto was VC funded many years ago with a femtocell strategy and quickly changed course to adapt to the market that wasn't willing to pay $200+ for the network device.  

Skype on Android Phones is Finally Here

Skype has finally released their an application for the Android phone enabling voice calls over VoIP.  50% of homes and businesses do not have seamless wireless voice coverage for quality conversations while Wifi and broadband is growing rapidly.  Skype is a great alternate solution to fixing coverage inside a home or office building where a cell phone signal is not present.  Its also a great solution while you are traveling overseas and want to avoid the hefty roaming rates that carriers charge while using other networks.

Try pulling your SIM card out of your smart-phone for a few days and just use Wifi services.  Using Skype and Google Voice over Wifi works pretty good and you are less likely to drop calls.  Who knows you just might find yourself reducing your data and voice plan down to the minimal amount and save yourself lots of money each month. 

Skype has released a client for Android mobile handsets, running Android OS version 2.1 or higher. With Skype for Android, smartphone users globally can now experience the benefit of Skype while on go using either a Wifi or mobile data connection. Market or consumers can visit https://www.skype.com to find out more details about how to get the application.

Skype for Android enables users to:

· Make free Skype-to-Skype calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G)* to other Skype users anywhere in the world using Skype’s SILK codec for CD-like audio quality.

· Make low rate Skype Out calls to landline or mobile phones

· Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype

· Synchronize contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronization place Skype calls directly from the native address book.

· See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat

· Import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book

· Receive calls on their Skype online number

T-Mobile Customers Can Unlock Their Phones

To my surprise, if you are a loyal T-Mobile you can unlock your phone for free with the carrier and it will not void the warranty.  As a loyal customer, this will NOT void the warranty on the phone and entitle you to the same service and return policies.  I experienced this excellent customer service today as I was preparing for my trip to Europe.  I asked them if I could unlock my phone so I could purchase an international SIM card to make calls while traveling in Europe and Ireland.  The answer they gave me was we can help you unlock your phone just give us your IME number and we will send you an email instruction you how to do it.  I would like to give T-Mobile an award for this tremendous customer service and they should be recognized for this leadership.  If any AT&T or Verizon customer has had the same experience I would like to know about it.  I won't hold my breath waiting.

Why would I want to purchase a SIM card versus roaming on T-Mobile?  The cost in Europe for US customers is $15 per megabyte to download data and $1.25 cents per minute to make phone calls.  I can't blame them for charging this but its a bit outrageous and may surprise many customers who don't turn off data roaming while traveling outside the US.

Another alternative is to take out your SIM card and make calls on Wi-FI with Truphone, Nimbuzz Skype on some phones or another VoIP mobile app.  The sound quality is pretty good and the rates vary from .02 cents per minute up to .20 cents per minute depending on if the call is to a landline or a mobile phone.  You can also purchase a SIM card from a company like Truphone Local Anywhere for $30 so you can take advantage of the local data plans and calling rates.  This will avoid the costly international roaming charges.

My plan while traveling to Europe is to take two phones.  My old G1 Android phone without a SIM card for making WiFI VoIP phone calls and my Samsung Vibrant for data roaming with a new SIM card that I will purchase when I land.  If anyone has any suggestions of data SIM cards to buy while traveling in Ireland and the UK please let me know?

Skype Mobile Not Available on T-Mobile

T-Mobile Spokeswoman Catherine Zeta Jones Should be Angry

Verizon seems to have cornered the Skype market as Skype Mobile apps are no longer available in the Android Marketplace for my T-Mobile phones.  Its a shame that Skype has sold itself out to Verizon and it doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.  I guess an IPO will make you reach out for any revenue possible and sometimes that mean screwing your loyal customers.  Making phone calls over Wifi used to be possible with Skype and not with Google Voice.  Google Voice does not seem to work in Wifi only mode and I am very disappointed to see this.  Making calls while traveling internationally is a major rip off and Skype used to be the solution for this.  I will have to start using another VoIP app like Truphone to make my calls via Wifi while traveling.  

How to Save Money on Phone Bills

One of the biggest expense items for companies who have large mobile workforces are the monthly cell phone bills.  Companies typically do their best to get all employees under one carrier in order to theoretically save money and get a deal.  However, how do you know that you are getting a deal?

1)  Are you buying new phones for each employee to be on the same plan?
2)  Are you auditing the monthly call activity over your employees?
3)  Are they getting the best service possible in your area?
4)  If all of your employees are on one carrier are you locked into a "good" price?
5)  Should you be encouraging your employees to use free WiFi more often instead of the expensive 4G or WiMax plans?
6)  What if you could give each of your employees a choice of which carrier and the handset or smart phone they wanted to use?
7)  Are you employees spending too much time managing their phone services and reporting expenses?
8)  Are you wasting valuable productivity time provisioning phones to your new employees and getting phones back from employees no longer with the company?
9)  Are you using VoIP for international calls?
10) Lastly, are you auditing and keeping track of the coverage service quality that your employees are getting and using this as leverage when you renew your contract?

Here are some companies that might help you make cheaper international calls with VoIP and audit your cell phone call activity through the carrier. Auditing your call activity is very important these days as dropped calls and coverage quality is actually getting worse as data speeds increase.  Most of these hosted solutions working with cell phones using unified communications tools and are sold directly to small businesses and directly to consumers.

Google Voice - Gives small businesses a second business number and makes voicemail more efficient.  It will also save money on international calls.
Skype - Great for video conferencing and making international calls and for businesses of any size.

Second Voice -  Large enterprises can audit and manage employee phones by adding a second number to an existing employee cell phone. 

Toktumi - Hosted PBX that gives employees a second number and has apps for your smartphone  

Truphone - Cheap VoIP calls from your mobile phone over WiFi
Ring Central - Get 800 numbers and virtual PBX with VoIP for calls
Vonage - VoIP phone service target to home users
Fonality - Viritual PBX in a box for small to medium sized enterprises
Virtual PBX - Hosted PBX for small business
Vbuzzer - VoIP software for PC

Free Google Voice + Video + IM + Gmail = Awesome

Free Google Voice + Video + IM + Gmail = Awesome

The "holy grail" of unified communications has arrived . . . a solution that ties my email (Gmail), instant messenger (Google Talk),  Video Chat, Free SMS, Voicemail (Google Voice),  Google Calendar, and Google Docs all together into one organized and simple hosted solution.  You can't beat the price which is currently free and it just might fix your cell phone coverage as well.   What finally blew me away was the last step of choosing my new phone number and you can search by keywords, numbers, and zip code.  I typed in my mobile phone number and my new number was only one digit in the area code different.  I now have a (310) and a (317) phone numbers and that is cool!

As a small business owner, this is an ideal solution and could save you thousands of dollars per year if you take the time and get organized.  It's also a solution for the many millions of office and home cell phone users who don't have any mobile phone reception in their homes or office.  It is now so simple to simply dial the number with one click that you can leave your cell phone in the car (if you forward your phone number).  No more dead zones or dropped calls that seem to be getting worse on smartphones that consume more data.  

This is a timely announcement by Google as VoIP competitor Skype now has over 500M+ users and is positioning itself for an IPO.  I think Google Voice will now quickly catapult itself as a big competitor to Skype. The recent announcement of Google calls from PC to Phone is somewhat unique as Skype currently charges for these calls with their Skype Out product.  It is cheap as well but I assume Google Advertising has thought through the math and figure that they can make it free and make more money on the advertising served up.   SMART!

It will also be very interesting to see how tightly integrated the new Google Voice features are with the Android operating system and the New Features on the T-Mobile G2 Phone phone that will be coming out in November.  

Click to Dial from your Contacts or Instant Messanger

Google Voice Transcription on PC or MAC

Google Voice on iPhone and Android

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10 Reasons Why Skype Will Make You Rich

10 Reasons Why Skype Will Make You Rich

Skype's IPO could be one of the hottest new technology stocks to hit Wall Street since Google's IPO at $100 per share in 2004.  If Skype (now the largest wireless carrier in the world) does in fact do a silent auction IPO (similar to Google's IPO process) and only sells a small portion of the company (< 25%)  I think the stock will fly higher.  Owning shares of the Skype IPO could make you rich and dumping your wireless carrier could save you even more money and make your richer.   Here are 10 reasons why this could be one of the most exciting and disruptive companies to big telecom over the next decade.  The day of reckoning may soon be here . . .

#1 - Making quality 3G phone calls over AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & T-Mobile is impossible.  It is a rarity these days when my call doesn't drop in the first few seconds or on a call.  The carrier networks are just horrible and do not work and the problem is only getting worse.

#2 - If you have ever used Skype to make international phone calls you know just how special and unique the service is.  The voice and video quality is tremendous.  I am always perplexed why the same video quality experience can't be achieved when make Skype calls inside the US.  I say it's big telecom technical shenanigans screwing with VoIP packets across the network.

#3 - The service is currently FREE for Skype to Skype calls.  As soon as this company is public the shareholders will likely demand more profits and demand the company expand its advertising capabilities for its free users.  Personally, I don't really care because Google did the same thing and I think their search advertising is highly relevant.

#4 - Making Skype to any phone line is dirt cheap and will likely soon be free as well as soon as their advertising CPMs are high enough to pull the 2 cents per minute rates.

#5 - Skype will soon be the largest carrier in the world with over 500+ million active users and they have 13% of the International call market share according to The Inquisitr.  China Mobile is #2 with 527 million users, #17 Verizon 92M, #17 AT&T 87M, Sprint 48M, T-Mobile USA 33M.

#6 - Skype's annual revenue will near $1B next year even though only 6% of their customers are paying for minutes according to Tech Crunch.  Skype is wildly underpricing the value of their service and yet most consumers continue to pay their wireless carrier $50 per month or $600 per year.

#7 - US wireless carriers are still hawking prepaid data plans where minutes expire.  This is a complete scam and will likely be disrupted in the coming years as consumers and businesses get smart.  Pay as you go and advertising-based plans could save most users thousands of dollars per year.

#8 - Every smartphone will soon have a front-end video camera and some time of Skype or Google Voice software client on the phone eventually.   With Google Voice gaining steam this will only continue to educate consumers that VoIP phone calls over Wifi is the only way to make calls.

#9 - US wireless carriers are investing billions of dollars to build out 4G, LTE, WiMAX networks when more like more than 50%+ of phone calls are made indoors.   Wifi is still the best solution to connect through Skype to VoIP and likely will be for years to come.  Why do you need an expensive voice service?

#10 - Have you ever tried shopping for a phone in Europe or Asia?  Well, guess what you get to pick the wireless service FIRST and then the carrier.  Sounds backward doesn't it having to chose the iPhone being locked into AT&T.  Consumers are tired of cell phones being tied to specific carriers and want a standard platform where all phones work on all carriers. No more contracts and horrible wireless service carriers who's only value is lining the pocketbooks of shareholders with huge dividends.  Skype's service and Android operating system may soon have the power, scale and leverage to make this happen throughout the world with a Skype Phone.

New Features on the T-Mobile G2 Phone

G1 Google Phone vs G2 Google Phone

T-Mobile has launched its G2 phone which has a much faster processor and runs on the HSPA+ network.  I was able to pick up my phone just before the CTIA show as a favor and love it already.  Here are some apps that were pre-loaded on the phone which I love.  Google Voice, Google Listen for Podcasts, Swipe for texting with one hand, Google Places for finding locations easily, Google Goggles, PhotoBucket and many enhanced contact syncing features for Facebook, Twitter and Gmail.

Its a great phone and the form factor is even better than I thought.  The flip-up screen and the placement of the navigation bar are in the areas you would expect.  The power button on top makes it easy to turn on a swipe to turn on.  The screen is slightly larger and it sits nicely in your hand to use without the keyboard.  I had the Samsung Galaxy for a short time and returned it because I prefer to have a keyboard and didn't like the way it sat in my hand as a wider phone.  However, the G2 is perfect and much better even though it is slightly heavier than the Galaxy but slightly lighter than the iPhone 4.  I haven't noticed a difference in the processing power as promoted on the Galaxy and think the G2 processing power sufficient.  Also, the 8GB micro SD card creates a lot of room.  We still aren't sure if there is a front-facing camera but the rear video and picture camera is excellent.

Everyone who has had the G1 knows about the dreaded memory loss and it has become virtually impossible to run apps on a phone without the Task Killer application running in the background.  The G2 has much more processing power and expanded memory capability on the 2 GB internal and 8 GB SD card and internal memory.  I would also expect to see a lot of data offloading features pushing capacity off applications like YouTube from the carrier network onto Wifi. Google Maps has a stronger presence on it with preloaded apps  It remains to be seen what will Google's answer be to Apple's Facetime application that seems to be captivating iPhone 4 users.  It seems to me that this could be a feature enhancement of Google iChat and Google Voice integration.   A Skype IPO could help light a fire in this area as wel..

T-Mobile seems to be the preferred network if you are Google user and live in a large metropolitan area.  The trend today seems to be smart users moving to smaller carriers with less people on the network.  That certainly is not AT&T or Verizon who own 66% of the market.

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Skype on Android

AT&T MicroCell Customers Complain Here

I have started receiving numerous emails from frustrated AT&T Wireless customers about their new MicroCell (aka Mini Cell Phone Tower or Femtocell for your home). Thousands of frustrated AT&T Wireless customers are starting to emerge who have been tricked into buying the MicroCell for $150 that does not work in some areas. We want to find out where?

As we have seen in the past the only way to get the attention of the telecom giant is to complain about service as a group.  Think of Deadcellzones.com as the Groupon of complaints about cell phone coverage and poor service.  Here are some sample emails I have received from customers around the US.  Please send me your emails or post your experiences in the comments section below.

From a San Diego AT&T Customer - "I found your website after fighting on the phone with AT&T about their coverage here at my house located at ______, San Diego Ca 92117. Started having problems with my iPhone for the past 3 months.  I called AT&T and they told me to go buy one of their cell phone reception boosters for $150.00! So now I paid them $160.00+ tax for service + a monthly fee that doesn't work.  Is there a problem with the AT&T network because my TV provides is AT&T U-Verse as well? Sorry for the rant but I am livid, anyways you can add that address to your map."

From a San Francisco Customer - "I love your website because it gives me the ability to vent my frustration with AT&T's ineptitude and overhyped coverage.  I live in the city and would like to use my iPhone at home but AT&T's network is always congested near my apartment.  I went out and purchased the AT&T MicroCell and currently, I am very disappointed with the amount of dropped calls.  It seems like the macro network is looking to interfere with the microcell network and they are fighting for control.  What will fix the problem because I am thinking about going back to Wi-Fi and Skype for voice."

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Facebook Mobile Ads vs. Dumb Pipes

Mobile advertising CPM's make data / voice subscription models irrelevant?

Wireless operators have built huge businesses selling cellular voice service for a hefty monthly fee.  Fees are based on a fixed monthly charges regardless of whether you use the minutes / data or not.   But now that cellular voice calls are a commodity, consumers are spending much less money than they used to for voice services.  Add VoIP and cheap prepaid wireless service into the competition, and this will only continue to erode in the future as long as it remains based on fees and not adverting.  Facebook, Google & Skype all have disruptive platforms that are disinter-mediating the dumb pipes making them almost irrelevant.   The only question remains when will be the tipping point?

The dumb pipe industry is hoping that data revenue from text messages, Internet access, multiple mobile Internet devices per person, like the iPad and Kindle -- will make up for the difference. And so far, it's coming close. But monthly bills will likely continue to shrink and these operators don't have a clue how to monetize their services via adverting yet for fear of cannibalizing their cash cows.

Here are three charts below which are quietly forecasting the demise of predictable subscription based ARPU related business models (Voice & Data) and the rise of advertising.  Its all about leverage and clearly AT&T and Verizon are losing it and Facebook and Google are gaining.  I think we are closers than everyone thinks to free subsidized data and voice services from Facebook and Google.   I can't wait because I think as effective CPM's are on the rise publishers stand to actually make more money than the dumb pipes who are focused on fixed subscription models.

CHARTS OF THE DAY: Here's Why Wireless Carriers Are Hosed

Cell Phone Reception Through Wifi

Cell phones can use your home's wireless internet connection to make and receive calls. It's a handy technology if the cell phone coverage in and around your house is in a dead zone. Phones will automatically select Wifi if it's there but will require a compromise between economy and mobility. For example, Voice over Wifi offers potentially free service but is only available within the coverage area of a Wifi Access Point and currently will not allow you to hop between networks.

VoIP mobile applications that may be compatible with your phone's operating system.

Skype - iPhone, Windows Mobile, Nokia
Line2 - iPhone, Android

Truphone - Nokia-Symbian, iPhone, Android, Blackberry

Jajah - Windows Mobile, Symbian OS

fring - Symbian 8.x and 9.x, Windows Mobile 5 and 6, iPhone, Maemo

Nimbuzz!- J2ME, S60, Windows Mobile, iPhone

Gizmo5 - Windows Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Blackberry, Java PDA, Sony-Ericsson, Samsung

Windows Mobile 6 - Windows Mobile 6 Professional/Standard


3 Mobile VoIP Protocols The Applications Above Are Built On

Skype - closed proprietary peer to peer network and working on video mobile phones

SIP - the standard used by most VoIP services

UMA - the Unlicensed Mobile Access Generic Access Network, designed in response to Skype by a group of carriers to allow VoIP to run over the GSM cellular backbone.

See Wikipedia VoIP software platforms for more details. The challenge for the mobile operator industry is to deliver the benefits and innovations of IP without losing control of the network service. Users like the Internet to be free and high speed without extra charges for browsing the internet. VoIP services challenges the most valuable service in the telecommunications industry — voice — and threatens to change the nature of the global communications industry.  Net neutrality is an important issue with the FCC for these reasons.

Related article: UMA Phone + Wi-Fi = Home Cell Coverage