In the UK experiments are due to start where mobile (cell) phone calls made in the home will be routed through the users broadband connection rather than through the existing phone network, because of the increasing volume and subsequent strain on the traditional networks.
The technology is similar to that used in Wi-Fi and connectivity is based on ‘Femtocells’ which are small pockets of wireless connectivity — just think wireless router.
Putting the increased volume into perspective, the growth of video downloads means that a network that would normally handle 500 voice conversations at the same time, would only handle 15 simultaneous downloads.
Via [The Times]
This is really needed in London, if only to improve service. I had a prepaid phone and made some calls from the Royal Courts. They billed me at triple the normal rate because they said I was "out of the service area" for my 3G phone. I asked if they can't provide decent service in the very centre of London, what the blazes were they doing in the mobile phone business?
They adjusted the bill. They should have given me bonus time as an apology, but…