8x8 Intros Mobile Phone Application, Bolsters Distribution

By Staff On Dec 17 2007 - 8:00am

VoIP provider 8x8 introduced a new software application that will let select smartphone owners place international calls over the Packet8 VoIP network. They also announced a deal with Synnex to distribute its Virtual Office business VoIP solution.

Called Packet8 MobileTalk, the software application can be downloaded to Windows, Palm or Symbian based mobile phones either through an over-the-air download or directly from 8x8. According to the company, it is compatible with roughly 450 mobile phones currently on the market.

Once loaded onto a phone, users can place international calls over 8x8's network directly from the handset. According to the company, calls are carried to the Packet8 network over the subscriber's existing cellular voice service and do not require a monthly data plan or WiFi access to use. Using the VoIP network provides a cost-savings to consumers, the company said.

MobileTalk will cost $9.99 up front and $9.99 a month for the first account and $4.99 for subsequent accounts. Existing Packet8 residential VoIP users will pay $4.99 per month.

8x8 also concluded a deal with Synnex to distribute its Virtual Office VoIP iPBX service through Synnex's technology-as-a-service offering.

The agreement enables Synnex's resellers to offer Virtual Office to its small to medium business customers. Citing data from an IDC survey, 8x8 said the market for hosted VoIP services in the U.S. would reach $465 million by the end of 2008.