D-Link Intros VoIP Handset

By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 7/17/2006

NEW YORK — Networking manufacturer D-Link has introduced a flip-style Wi-Fi phone, designed to work with SIP-based VoIP service providers.

The D-Link Wi-Fi Phone won't be sold with a VoIP service. Instead, it can be programmed by the consumer to work with SIP-based Internet telephony services. D-Link will provide a list of compatible services on its Web site.

The phone can place calls over wireless home networks and open hot spots using 802.11b/g/n networking. The phone supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption for accessing secure wireless networks.

The clamshell phone weighs in at 3.7 ounces and features color displays, 100 name/number address book, echo cancellation, caller ID and polyphonic ringtones with seven-step volume control, as well as support for redial, mute, hold and text messaging.

It offers roughly three hours of talk time and 70 hours of standby time on a single charge of the li-ion, 900mAh battery. An external power adapter and mini-USB cable are included.

The D-Link Wi-Fi phone will ship in the quarter this year to e-commerce sites for a suggested $249.99. It will be available in black (DPH-540) and silver (DPH-541).

Wireless VoIP handsets have emerged this year from several leading vendors. At International CES, Netgear announced a Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype while Linksys introduced two models this spring for SIP-based VoIP providers. UTStarcom is also making a Wi-Fi handset for Vonage's VoIP service, which is currently selling through Vonage's Web site.