VIPER Goes Handheld w/ Wi-Fi Phone

San Diego based VIPER networks has announced they have approved a Wi-Fi based handheld phone for use on their network.

Here's the rub with Wi-Fi handhelds. When you're in a public hotspot that is free, access to the network won't be an issue. But when you use a hotspot where you pay, like a Starbucks or McDonalds you will need to use your single account for either the PC, PDA or the Wi-Fi phone or have multiple accounts.

At $30.00 a month on average for access per account, times two, the utility value drops greatly. And that's before the per month network fees, and possible termination costs for International calls. That's why services like SKYPE, FASTCHAT, SIPPHONE seem to have figured out with technology that works on a laptop or PDA. Same for VONAGE and other SIP based networks that have software that works on the laptop or the PDA.

So, while devices like the one VIPER has certified are great for the home or free access network, like I use at "It's A Grind" coffee shops, having to have multiple accounts drives up the costs, and doesn't reduce expenses. Add to that the possible port blocking, firewalls and NAT related issues so the hurdles are daunting for the average non technical user.

So while these new first generation Wi-Fi phones are good for services like Free World Dialup and any network where the STUN can be configured, and where the users are on Wireless LANs they control, many issues remain before the handheld has the same value to a person on the go as a cell phone. Right now there are just too many access issues, both financial and technical to overcome.