Linksys reveals WIP330 VoIP handset on FCC site

Our old friend the FCC has come through once again with their handy website of unannounced products, this time informing us that networking powerhouse Linksys is about to enter the VOIP phone market. Their seemingly high-end WIP330 handset will sport an 802.11b/g radio (with WEP and possibly WPA-PSK security), SIP v2 support, voice-quality enhancement, web browser, and color screen with GUI. Tom's Networking, who uncovered the FCC filing, speculates that this model will drop next year for between $200 and $250.

[Jason G @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Looks like a giant T616/T610! :)

Looks like any leftover land lines in homes are about to be replaced in the next couple of years...

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

hmmmm, I dont know if VOIP cell phones will catch on or not.

[jalapeno @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Today is a banner day for WiFi phones. Way to go Linksys, very nice phone! I personally can't wait to get rid of my old cordless phones, be it with this one or with the Skype phone reported on earlier today.

[Dan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

looks a lot like the 'Talby' to me:

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000027026613/

[Dan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Sweet! Let's go Vonage, where's the F1000 you've said would be out this year? Wonder if this will work with Vonage?

[TZK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

I still like the SIEMENS one that does email and SMS and has a camera. Though Im sure its a lot more expensive. Engag posted it if you care to take a search :)

[josh @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

so can you use this without a computer???

[James Depew @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

This was first reported on at http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=430&mode=&order=0&thold=0

[Aaron Godfred @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

This phone is a tweener. Linksys should be focusing on WiMax technology that you can use down the street and not just on your porch. Once we get past the Cable company's blocking WiMax then WiFi will go the way of the dinosaurs.

[Mitch @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

packet8.net has worked well for me for over a year. I use an expandable 5.8Ghz phone base (so I don't interfere with my 2.4Ghz router).

$20 a month for unlimited calls to the US and Canada. BellSouth made me angry and in a fit of anger, I ordered the packet8 service. BellSouth lost me as a customer the next month.

I've experienced some downtime... power outages and cable outages are a problem. Sound quality is decent, but not quite as good as a traditional phone. I wouldn't attempt to use a VoIP phone without at least 256kbps upload speed (I have 768kbps now and it's great!).

The cheap price and nice features are what keep me as a customer.

At $200 per unit, that Linksys phone would not be saving me any money... I can't imagine why people would buy one of these.