[1]Dell Canada [1] and Fongo [2] have announced the launch of their new mobile app, Dell Voice [3] – a free to download full feature VoIP phone alternative that may help Canadians save money on their 
[2]mobile phone bills. Users of Android [4] and iOS [5] devices can now avoid costly long-distance charges and daytime calling restrictions from their wireless carrier by receiving and placing calls to landline and mobile phones using Dell Voice on your existing WiFi or data connection (3G/4G) to make and receive calls, so data charges may apply when using this service.
Dell Voice is loaded with free features that Canadians typically pay for as part of their carrier’s plan. Features included with Dell Voice are free local and long-distance calls to most of Canada [6], free unlimited incoming calls, free Voicemail, free Caller ID, and free Call Waiting to name a few.
Dell Voice uses Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to receive and place calls with users existing data connection (i.e. 3G, 4G or WiFi) on the Fibernetics network. Fongo enjoys privileged access to Fibernetics, a Canadian CLEC that owns and operates its own coast-to-coast network in Canada. By using the Fibernetics network, users can choose a local Canadian phone number for their Dell Voice line, as well as place emergency VoIP 911 calls [7].
“Dell and Fongo want to tilt the competitive playing field by offering smartphone users everything we believe they need in a mobile phone service – for free,” says John Stix, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Fongo. “Dell Voice aims to help Canadians reduce the cost or even eliminate the need for a voice plan. I believe Dell Voice is a game changer that has the potential to transform the telecommunications industry, while helping to put money back into the pockets of Canadian consumers and business owners.”
Dell Voice can help small business operators save money on their mobile phone bill, which is good news for small business owners like Conor Gordon, a student painting franchisee who racked up a monthly mobile phone bill of more than $1,500 in August, despite having negotiated with his wireless carrier the ‘best’ package to suit his business needs. “Dell Voice will make a huge difference to a small business like mine that is totally reliant on mobile phones for communication. I’ll have all the features I need in a phone, without the huge bills. It’s a no-brainer to download the app and use my extra data as long-distance and daytime voice minutes,” Gordon said.
David Gair, marketing director for Small & Medium Business, Dell Canada, added, “Dell has been a pioneer in providing clients, whether individual consumers or businesses, with the most advanced, yet cost-effective solutions to meet their communication and computing needs. Dell Voice is part of this commitment and complements our spectrum of technology offerings that help Canadian consumers and businesses to stay connected without breaking the bank.”
There will be a BlackBerry version available soon, and there is also a desktop version for PC [8] available now.