The mobile version of the VoIP client Vyke has just had text messaging added to its feature set, allowing Vyke users to text each other free of charge and anyone else for just over a penny per text.
Truphone has also recently added texting to its mobile VoIP service in what is becoming something of a trend. Both Vyke and Truphone are placing themselves in the firing line from carriers such as Vodafone and T-Mobile as the use of VoIP software on mobiles breaches the terms and conditions for data bundles – which often explicitly exclude text messaging clients.
Vyke CEO, Kjetil Bohn, has been outspoken in his defence of the company’s right to provide VoIP services:
Like the other companies in this area we are looking at if it’s legal for operators to limit services…we don’t want to, but somewhere down the road we will have to take the fight [to the operators] legally.
It is easy to understand why most carriers are keen to hold onto revenue driving call and messaging costs, but how long can they continue to stave off consumer demand and pressure from the likes of Vyke, Fring and Truphone?
(Vyke via The Register)
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