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With hardware VoIP solutions it is possible to connect the VoIP router into the existing central phone box in the house and have VoIP at every phone already connected. Software based VoIP services require the use of a computer, so they are limited to single point of calling, though handsets are now available, allowing them to be used without a PC. Some services provide the ability to connect WiFi SIP phones so that service can be extended throughout the premises, and off-site to any location with an open hotspot.

Telcos and consumers have invested billions of dollars in mobile phone equipment. In developed countries, mobile phones have achieved nearly complete market penetration, and many people are giving up landlines and using mobiles exclusively. Given this situation, it is not entirely clear whether there would be a significant higher demand for VoIP among consumers until either public or community wireless networks have similar geographical coverage to cellular networks (thereby enabling mobile VoIP phones, so called WiFi phones) or VoIP is implemented over legacy 3G networks. However, "dual mode" handsets, which allow for the seamless handover between a cellular network and a WiFi network, are expected to help VoIP become more popular.

The first mobile VoIP solutions were Fring and Truphone. Phones like the Nokia E60, E61 have been the first "dual mode" handsets capable of delivering mobile VoIP. With more and more mobile phones and handheld devices using VOIP, the nicknames of "MoIP" and MVoip (Mobile VoIP)have been attributed to these mobile applications.

Handheld Devices are another type of medium whereby you can use VoIP services. Since most of these devices are limited to using GSM/GPRS type of communication mediums, almost all of the handheld devices use WiFi of some sort.

Another addition to handheld devices are ruggedized barcode type devices that are used in warehouses and retail environments. These type of devices rely on "inside the 4 walls" type of VoIP services that do not connect to the outside world and are solely to be used from employee to employee communications.

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