That’s where the Wi-Fi love comes in. Networking equipment manufacturers like Netgear and Belkin are prepping devices that may look like ordinary cellphones, but in fact use Wi-Fi hotspots to make their phone calls, via Skype. The company, which was acquired by eBay last year, is probably the largest VoIP provider on the Net.
The handsets start at $189 (for Belkin’s model ), though the Netgear model ($299) features support from WEP/WPA protected hotspots. While $189 may seem a bit pricey for a phone that only works at Wi-Fi hotspots (much shorter range than traditional cell phones), the fact that Skype is offering free calls to landlines in North America through the end of the year gives you a chance to make your money back.
[via Ars Technica ]