ATS announces E6501 DECT-enabled cordless VoIP phone

A new VoIP handset from American Telecom Services promises to help you break free from your landline addiction and make an easy transition over to Internet telephony, while still allowing you to situate satellite phones all over the house to match your current setup. At first glance, the E6501 offers a number of compelling features, including SIP-compliance, built-in speakerphones, DECT support for avoiding the already crowded 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands, and most enticingly, a sub-$50 pricetag for the base unit and only $30 each for up to five additional handsets. The bad news here comes when you find out that set only works with ATS' chosen service providers, a group that's currently comprised of just IDT and a company called SunRocket, so Vonage and Skype fans will need to look elsewhere. For those of you still interested, unfortunately there's no word yet on which retailers will be carrying these models, nor when we can expect to see them in stores.

[Via VoIP & Gadgets Blog]

[Paul @ Jun 15th 2006 3:23PM]

It's like Lingo VOIP service doesn't exist in Engadget land. I've used it for nearly a year now and am very happy with the service. When I look at a Vonage package for example, they don't come anywhere close in terms of prices and features.

What gives?

PS. I'm not affiliated with Lingo in anyway except for being a customer.

[John @ Jun 15th 2006 7:52PM]

SIP-compliant? Doesn't that mean it shouldn't be tied to a specific service?

[vf34wrx @ Jan 13th 2007 10:13PM]

Oh my god this thing is as ugly as a phone can get...but it's cheap. i wonder if the price is before or after the rebate? anyone know?