The company is the first to bridge VoIP and the mobile phone network with its patent-pending software and a cable that, together, can turn an old mobile handset into a wireless gateway for Skype’s VoIP application. Making its international debut to media today at a London hotel, IPdrum Mobile Skype Cable is available for immediate purchase online through www.ipdrum.com and via select distributors.
“Skype’s recent acquisition by ebay is the software’s natural ticket to the masses, “said Jerry Pettersson, IPdrum founder. “IPdrum’s technology automatically extends Skype’s reach and triggers a welcome transformation to the ease and affordability of communication in the 21st century.”
Free mobile calls worldwide
Individuals with phone contracts that allow them to make free calls to pre-defined numbers (such as “friends & family” plans), can make free VoIP calls from their mobile phones to any country in the world.
Those without such mobile calling plans can make international calls at the same rate as a local call.
Access VoIP from anywhere
“Skype’s technology and its users did the hard work—getting people to make calls from their computers,” said Mr. Mathisen. “IPdrum is making Skype accessible to new and broader audiences, allowing them to make and receive Skype calls while being away from their computers.” The company plans to be a leading supplier to other Internet telephony operators as well.
How the technology works
The IPdrum Mobile Skype Cable connects a user’s old mobile phone (base phone) to the USB and sound ports of his or her computer. When the software is installed, the old handset acts as a gateway/bridge for the Skype application, allowing the user to forward calls to the mobile phone he or she currently uses. Similarly, a user can place a call using Skype.
The IPdrum solution will bring IP telephony to any mobile phone and is not restricted to special “Hotspots” or zones where technologies such as Wifi are available. It incorporates a range of features and capabilities designed to increase convenience and performance when Skyping such as:
- Forwarding of incoming Skype calls to fixed- or mobile phone
- Outgoing calls to Skype users
- Outgoing calls to non-Skype users using SkypeOut
- Make calls abroad without roaming charges
Currently, IPdrum Mobile Skype Cable supports Windows XP, with plans to support additional operating systems. The product is now available for those using Nokia and Sony Ericsson base phones. Motorola, Samsung and Siemens are in production.
The product currently retails for $69.95+tax.
About IPdrum
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, IPdrum is a supplier of innovative hardware and software solutions to the fast growing VoIP market. The IPdrum Mobile Skype Cable made international headlines when the prototype was introduced in June 2005 at the CommunicAsia 2005 exhibition in Singapore. The virtually unknown company has since skyrocketed to the top of search engines.