Virgin Media is introducing free calls to mobile phones over Wi-Fi, using a 'SmartCall' app for Android and iOS that will launch early next year.
Sounds delightful, non? The catch, however, is that you need to be signed up to a Virgin Media home phone for the service to work.
If you're the proud owner of a house-bound Virgin Media blower, you can use your home phone package's built-in calls to dial mobile numbers via the app, regardless of what network the person you're calling is using.
The app will only work at the times specified in your landline deal, however. If you're on Virgin Media's 'talk evening and weekends' tariff, for example, the app would stop you placing a call at 3pm on a Tuesday.
In essence then, the new service is a sweetener for those who already have a Virgin Media home phone, or considering signing up to one. Because it works over Wi-Fi though, the app will work regardless of where in the world you're connected -- so you could use the service to make a free call to a mobile from abroad.
Introducing free calls over Wi-Fi is an interesting move, likely designed to keep the home phone business afloat a little longer. With smart phones becoming the de facto way of staying in touch, many people (your humble writer included) long ago ditched home phones entirely and use a landline exclusively for broadband.
The number of fixed lines in the UK dropped by 200,000 in 2011, though as of last year there were still over 33 million of the blighters, so don't expect the humble hallway dog-and-bone to drop dead any time soon.
It's interesting that Virgin Media has turned to Wi-Fi calling, which is another technology that threatens traditional phone companies. Apps such as Samsung's ChatOn or Apple's iChat let people gab without paying for texts, while Skype's mobile app lets you make free calls over 3G.
Do you use a home phone? Or have you made the switch to mobile-only? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 6
Add your comment
anonymous 5 November, 2012 16:34
Viber? Calls to others who have dowloaded the app regardless of time as long as you both have an wi-fi connection
anonymous 5 November, 2012 16:56
its iMessage. Not iChat
anonymous 5 November, 2012 20:45
The fook? I didn't bother reading it all. But why would I sign up to Virgin media just so I can use there app to talk for free via WiFi, when there are literally hundreds of apps out the that will let me do exactly that but without signing up to virgin media.
anonymous 6 November, 2012 13:10
Why sign up to Virgin Media?
One word TiVO
It will change your life.
Simon Mercer 6 November, 2012 14:37
TiVo is the d b's it has to be said . I have been a sky customer for ten years but decided to cut costs and go with a full package with Virgin . The added wifi is a plus perhaps for the less tech savvy but I agree , the market is out there already with free apps . However , TiVo and also cheap offers on mobiles and a double upgrade to my fibre broadband speed has made this a good move in my opinion .
anonymous 16 November, 2012 10:35
Thanks for an informative article, this highlights how the world of communications is evolving fast. Will be interesting to see how Virgins competitors respond to a WiFi based call service.
SBC Call Plans & Line Rental