Digital Trends

Fusion's efonica has rolled out a VOIP service open to landline and mobile numbers by using an "Internet area code."

Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone service might be a hot technology right now—and tens of millions of Skype users would probably agree—but it doesn't alwasy integrate very well with existing phone services. VOIP solutions instead often become one more number, handle, or interface you have to remember in order to get in touch with people. Weren't thing simpler back when everyone just had a phone number?

Fusion's efonica brand aims to bring back some of that simplicity in its just-introduced VOIP service by introducing a new "Internet area code" for use by efonica VOIP customers. The basic idea is that instead of having to learn a new handle, ID, or number, efonic users can reach other efonic users via their normal phone number, simply preceding it with a "10" Internet area code. So, if my friend's phone number was 206/555-1234, I could reach that friend via efonica's VOIP service by dialing 10-206-555-1234. The idea is that folks will fine efonica's free VOIP service easier to use because it is less disruptive to existing calling habits and patterns built around phone numbers.

Customers on the efonica service can call each other for free anywhere in the world using a free softphone application for Windows 2000/XP PCs, IP phones, SIP-enabled devices, or (with an unspecified "simple" adapter) even regular landlines.

"We believe that the introduction of the worldwide Internet Area Codemarks a significant development in the VoIP industry," said Roger Karam,President of Fusion's VoIP division. "We've simplified the way subscriberscall each other. During a brief sign-up process, subscribers register theirlandline or mobile numbers as their eNumbers, and within seconds, they cancall each other for free. They simply dial the Internet Area Code '10'before the eNumber to enjoy high quality voice calls at no cost. It'sthat easy, and the call connects immediately. Because efonica supports thecurrent dialing habits of consumers worldwide, customers should adapt toefonica seamlessly."

efonica offers paid plans starting at $5/month for users to call out to traditional landlines worldwide at competitive rates, and plans to roll out support for incoming phone calls, faxes, voicemail, and even an electronic payment system. Fusion also plans to introduce VOIP solutions for business and high-end users, and, unlike Skype and Vonage, efonica claims to work well even over non-broadband Internet connections. Fusion undoubtedly has a lot of work cut out for them to catch up with eBay's world-wide VOIP phenomena Skype and major players like Vonage—but competition is a healthy thing, right?