Now a handset and broadband are all you need to use Skype

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 26 November 2006 11:29

Business IT - Technology

Danish company, RTX Telecom claims it is the first to ship a cordless PSTN phone that can also be used with Skype without a computer.

However another company, SMC Networks offers a WiFi phone that makes calls via Skype without the need for a computer. In October 2006 it announced a partnership with European WiFi hotspot operator, The Cloud, that enables owners of these handsets to place calls though any of The Cloud's 8500 hotspots throughout Europe

Also, In September, Panasonic Communications announced that it was developing a phone that would make and receive Skype calls through Wi-Fi access points, without the need for a PC running Skype software. The company said expected to launch the product in fourth quarter of 2006 in the USA. http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5486/127/

The RTX DUALphone 308, however is different in that it comprises a cordless phone that connects to a base station via DECT. The base station has a PSTN connection and plugs directly into a broadband modem to make Skype calls, the handset can switch between the two modes. Philips,  Keyspan and others have similar DECT phones, but these work only with A PC (and in the case of Keyspan, a Mac) running Skype.

RTX says it will sell the product under its own brand and "We will also provide the new platform and product as a design service or OEM/ODM product for global brand manufacturers," according to Tage Rasmussen, CEO of RTX Telecom.

The DUALphone 3088 is available at RTX's distribution partners throughout Europe and at www.dualphone.net. It will be available at the Skype Online Store from December 1, 2006. Retail price is EUR159 ($A267).