RIM Offering Free Voice Calling In Attempt to Remain Competitive

zacharye writes "In version 7, RIM has added a voice calling feature that will allow BBM users to speak to each other for free when connected to Wi-Fi networks. While similar third-party solutions like Viber exist and extend the free calling feature to cellular data connections, an integrated solution that will eventually be baked right into the BlackBerry OS offers clear advantages over third-party options. It also can be counted as an advantage for RIM’s platform over Android and iOS, at least until RIM’s rivals begin to roll out similar solutions."

Comments

Until they roll out similar solutions?

[h4rr4r]

So facetime and gtalk are just figments of my imagination?

Re:Until they roll out similar solutions?

[BlueBlade]

I think it's mostly about integration, as in, you'll still go through the wi-fi connection even if you dial the number, as long as the target number belongs to a BB. For those other apps. the other user needs to be using them, along with a separate account, etc.

Who needs free voice?

[OhHellWithIt]

Even with a teenager on our family cell plan, we never use up our monthly allocation of voice minutes. Now, if RIM could figure out a way to convert that voice to data bandwidth, then we might have something to talk about.

Re:Who needs free voice?

[h4rr4r]

Perhaps someone could invent a way to modulate a data signal into something that would fit onto a voice channel. Then your phone could call that device and use this voice link for data transmission. Surely one day such a technology will be invented.

Also Free Data!

[dnahelicase]

Rumor is that internet browsing will also be free while on wifi, and will even support pandora streaming! You can use that wifi data in nearly unlimited ways!

Re:Facetime?

[firex726]

Do they?

Many of the Android ones I have dealt with offer calling over WiFi, but it still counts towards your minutes, even if it's going to someone on the same network, also on WiFi.

*Unless you use a third party app.

Re:Facetime?

[Tr3vin]

I read it as something only available between two BBM users, so it is basically Factime or Google Talk. In that case, RIM's two main rivals have had very good solutions in place for quite a while.

Exactly, carriers already cut of Apple at the pass

[SuperKendall]

It's hard to find a cell plan without unlimited minutes unless you're buying a minimal-use, no-frills line.

Yes - I think the carriers did this in response to skype on mobile devices gaining popularity. They jacked up the prices for all smartphone data plans and gave you basically unlimited calling.

It's the same thing for texting, iMessage on iOS gave you the ability to send messages to other iOS users over data, not SMS. So again they just baked unlimited SMS into the price for every smart phone plan.

USA != world

[Kupfernigk]

Outside the US, it is very easy to get cheap contracts with limited voice time. RIM is actually expanding outside the US - I suspect some of their problems there are caused by the carrier monopoly. I'm amazed that US customers put up with the restrictions on the phone models they can use, and the inability to get a decent SIM-only contract.

Re:USA != world

[stefancaunter]

Canada is worse than that, the carriers are not forced to invest in decent infrastructure, so they can cherry pick markets and coverage, and invest their massive profits from price gouging into the sports teams they all own, bought so they can monopolize content on their TV plans.

Re:What RIM needs to do to remain competitive

[Kupfernigk]

Fortunately for them, I guess they have a real CEO and not someone who plays one on Slashdot.

Did you give your advice to Apple back around the year 2000?

Blackberry hardware isn't bad when you consider where and how it would be used. Non-replaceable batteries and shiny fragile cases are fine for first world people who regard gadgets as disposable. Sub-one day battery life is fine if you are always near a socket. But in large emerging markets, phones are an expensive purchase, long battery life and easy replacement are still important, a degree of drop-proofness is very desirable and the Blackberry data compression represents a significant reduction in outgoings.Putting a BB OS on some generic smartphone hardware is going to result in something that might be a bit cheaper but will cause customer dissatisfaction.

It took too long to get the new CEO on board, but at least RIM has a coherent strategy and a target market - the middle classes in South America, Africa and Indonesia, business users, and people who just do not like giving up all their data to Apple or Google. They may be about to go tits up, but they are at least avoiding your suggestion - which worked so well for Leo The Pharmacist at HP, and which was sensibly avoided by Apple.

First of breed?

[SuiteSisterMary]

It also can be counted as an advantage for RIMâ(TM)s platform over Android and iOS, at least until RIMâ(TM)s rivals begin to roll out similar solutions."

Well, if you want free wifi voice calling from iPhone to iPhone, start FaceTime, and put your thumb over the camera.

Re:What is the security model?

[narcc]

Wow, you're just impervious to facts, aren't you?

If your a BES user, RIM can't hand over the keys because they don't have them.

As always, RIM is the ONLY option for the security conscious.

Go find some new talking points, preferably some with facts behind them.