Dec 06/Jan 07

A new version of BT's innovative Fusion phone service, in which you use the same handset for both office and mobile calls, was launched in December.

Basically it combines wireless VoIP (Internet) telephony and standard GSM telephony. In the office, you're connected via a wireless router which comes with the system. Out and about, you're switched seamlessly to ordinary GSM.

Additionally, if you come within range of one of BT's Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots, you're switched back automatically to Wi-Fi. About 2,000 BT-operated hotspots in its 7,000-strong network are participating.

All this should make the service much smoother, as well as potentially cheaper, than previous incarnations, which some commentators feel have not lived up to the initial promise.

 

The office-based calls are made via either an Access Point (with Bluetooth wireless connection to the handsets) or Business Hub (Wi-Fi link). The Business Hub also gives you a normal wireless Internet router capability for use on BT Business Broadband (for which you pay a further charge). Up to ten PCs can be connected.

For a single handset, the Fusion fee is an appealing £15 a month, though the price rises quickly as you add handsets.

Call charges are interesting; the Wi-Fi rates are 5p to fixed UK lines, 15p for calls to BT mobiles and 25p for calls to other UK mobiles. GSM calls to both fixed and mobile numbers cost 25p for up to 60 minutes.