Vonage Intros Motorola Router, New Rates

By Greg Scoblete On Apr 9 2007 - 6:00am

Vonage will offer a new Motorola router on its Web site, slash international calling rates to several countries and roll out a new free calling service for its subscribers.

Motorola's VT2542 features a four-port wired and 802.11 b/g wireless access point capable of connecting up to two Vonage lines (including a fax). The unit offers "voice over data prioritization" for improving the quality of voice calls made while a user simultaneously surfs the Web, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through support for at-home workers.

The router will initially be available through Vonage's Web site for $59.99 after a $40 instant rebate.

The VoIP company also cut international calling rates to one cent per minute for calls from the U.S. to Argentina, Australia, China, Mexico, Singapore, Israel, Poland and Sweden. Previous per-minute rates to these countries ranged from five to 10 cents.

The rates are in effect for new and existing customers. Vonage already offers unlimited calling to France, Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Spain with its $24.99 a month Residential Premium Unlimited plan.

Finally, Vonage users can gain access to audible news reports from Reuters when they dial (700) GET-NEWS. The new calling service is free to subscribers. It joins the company's weather, traffic and directory services.