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Wireless Phones Are The Future

New cellphones coming on the market will use wireless networks that allow cheep or even free calls and Internet access in many coffee shops, airports and homes. Instead of relying on regular cell-phone networks, some phones will make use of the anarchic global patchwork of so-called Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones will be able to switch easily between the two modes.

These phones, which will look and act as cellphones, will be a great money-saver for consumers. On the other hand, they could mean big troubles for the cellular companies, and it is quite understandable why. However the new phones will be for now more of a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, standard cell-phone service.

The technology, although in its early stages and faces some hurdles to widespread use, is being promoted by big technology companies like Cisco Systems and giving rise to new competition in the mobile phone business. Many companies are already using Wi-Fi phones to cut costs within offices or on corporate campuses, and the phones will soon be reaching the consumer market.