14 DAY TRIAL // Blueface, a leading VoIP phone service provider, just announced the launch of the first free mobile phone service for Ireland. The new service also offers consumers a mobile number that can be called at landline tariffs, reducing the cost of staying close to family, friends or colleagues via mobile conversations. For example, if your number is (01) 1231234, family and friends can call you on it from their mobiles at local fees instead of expensive mobile fees. The call is a normal one, but no one pays extra.
Together with Fring, Blueface developed a new 3G mobile phone service that uses a data connection for making and receiving call. All a user needs is a 3G data package and a compatible phone.
Fring is a free VoIP software for mobile phones that enables you to talk live and chat (via IM) via your phone's Internet connection. More exactly, this means you're allowed to use services like Skype, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Google Talk or Twitter as you would use them on your PC. This gives you instant messaging while on the move and saves your time and money (that you would have spent by sending text messages).
Some mobile operators might block this service, preferring to impose what customers can or cannot do via Internet, so users who want to use Blueface and Fring must first find out if their operator allows it.
Because Fring makes and receives calls by using your handset's data connection, it is important for users to have a data plan from their mobile provider, as data charges are often expensive without a data plan.
Fring is compatible with a wide range of handsets and currently works only with Windows Mobile or Symbian S60 software. However, in the near future Fring will be compatible with any phone and any OS.
To sign up for the new service from Blueface and Fring, you can visit Blueface's website at this address.