Fring is a new VOIP service that allows users to make calls using the internet connectivity of their internet-ready devices.

What is Fring? In essence, Fring is software that downloads onto your internet-capable wireless device, and allows you to make PEER-TO-PEER calls over most of the VOIP networks: Skype, MSN Messenger, and Google talk. It's a conduit for data -phone calls.

PROS

This techno-mumbo-jumbo sounds confusing at first, but it boils down to saving a few dollars. Why?

Instead of using the voice channel for a GSM phone, Fring uses the 3G or EDGE data network. In general, data transfers are MUCH CHEAPER than phone calls.

Secondly, with a wi-fi-ready phone (like the Nokia smartphone, or Apple's iphone), you can make calls using the already available VOIP networks. Instead of paying for minutes, you're paying for data.

CONS

Although I think Fring is a novel concept, it cuts out the middle man of the phone company. No longer do we need to make phone calls over the network, we simply find a wi-fi point, and start talking.

Secondly, Fring only works with smartphones. Smartphones are generally more expensive than regular cell phones. With that added expense, it may not be worth it to purchase a new smartphone strictly for the purpose of using it with Fring. That limits Fring usage to people who already have smartphones.

Learn more about this author, Aster C. Lilly.
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