PR releases

UK Nokia users given free "taster" of WiFi-carried VoIP

Leeds 4th September 2006 – aql®  – a leading telecoms and mobile messaging provider – is inviting Nokia Eseries users to sample free peer-to-peer wi-fi calling over its mobile VoIP network.  With free connection and set-up, those taking advantage of the offer will be able to make calls over wi-fi internet from the same handset and mobile number as their existing GSM service.  To connect to aql, Nokia Eseries users simply need to text ‘nokia’ to aql short code 64446 and their phone will be configured automatically.

Free peer-to-peer wi-fi calling is being offered to anyone who has a Nokia E60, Nokia E61 or Nokia E70 handset, which are essentially GSM handsets with wireless internet and internet telephony capabilities.  aql’s network interacts directly with embedded software in the handsets to enable high quality mobile calls to be made across the internet.  The handsets are configured remotely - users do not have to download any additional software – and the service will be up and running within minutes.

Cleverly, the outbound caller ID across wi-fi is the same as the subscribers’ existing GSM number, and whenever possible calls are routed over wi-fi to reduce the customer’s call charges. Those who wish to extend the service in order to call GSM mobiles and landlines across wi-fi can purchase conventional call credit online from www.aqtel.com or by texting ‘topup’ to 64446.  Calls to GSM across wi-fi cost from as little as 8p a minute and calls to landlines from 1p a minute.

aql managing director, Dr Adam Beaumont comments: “We are keen for all Eseries users to text-in so that they can experience for themselves the quality of our mobile VoIP service, without the necessity of switching from their existing GSM provider.  The free offer is simply intended to prove that wi-fi VoIP calling can deliver an excellent mobile service, with the ability to run alongside GSM for whenever callers are outside of a wireless hot spot.

“Mobile VoIP has huge potential for many types of personal and business communications.  It is ideal for frequent travellers, for example, as there are no roaming charges. And since most good hotels now offer wi-fi connectivity, mobile users will have the potential to call home free of charge from wherever they are in the world” he added.

aql has expertise in both internet telephony and mobile messaging, and has over 3 million assigned UK geographic numbers available to choose online, with monthly service charges of  £2 a month.  For more information, see www.aqtel.com 

About aql:

Leeds-based aql® was established in 1999 as a provider of internet and telephony services for business users.  The Company has over 3 million geographic numbers terminated to VoIP – a figure which is growing at a rate of 500,000 per month.  aql also routes tens of millions of SMS text messages for clients every month.  The Company is a wholesale carrier of SMS and telecoms services and is regulated by Ofcom.  The main website is at www.aql.com