With the PC market waning, Dell (News 
- Alert) Canada is venturing into the VoIP app market through a new partnership with Fongo.
The two companies have launched a new VoIP phone alternative called Dell Voice, an Android (News - Alert) and iOS app that enables users to leverage their existing data connection to place and receiving free calls using their mobile phone or their computer.
Like other competing apps, Dell Voice will target users who want to avoid long distance charges on their house phone or who routinely go over their allotted minutes on their mobile phone. The app may also be particularly attractive for small businesses that want to cut costs by running their office communications through their computer and their mobile communications through a VoIP app.
The app is free and the calls are free (to most parts of Canada), but know that VoIP works over 3G and 4G networks when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. Data charges from your wireless carrier or Internet service provider may apply. If you have an unlimited data plan, no need to worry.
Users who download the free app can choose a local Canadian phone number and can make emergency 911 VoIP calls if needed.
"Dell and Fongo want to tilt the competitive playing field by offering smartphone users everything we believe they need in a mobile phone service - for free," John Stix, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Fongo, noted in a statement.
"Dell Voice aims to help Canadians reduce the cost or even eliminate the need for a voice plan," he added. "I believe Dell Voice is a game changer that has the potential to transform the telecommunications industry, while helping to put money back into the pockets of Canadian consumers and business owners."
Dell partnered with Fongo to take advantage of the company's privileged access to Fibernetics, a Canadian CLEC that operates a coast-to-coast network in Canada.
The app is currently available at the App Store and the Android Market. Ironically, Canada-based RIM's Blackberry won't get the app until March.
Beecher Tuttle is a TMCnet contributor. He has extensive experience writing and editing for print publications and online news websites. He has specialized in a variety of industries, including health care technology, politics and education. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Rich Steeves
