T-Mobile VoIP

T-Mobile VoIP is a mash of mobile phone, VoIP, and social networking. T-Mobile has embraced VoIP technology by partnering with Vivox, Inc. to create Bobsled. With T-Mobile's Bobsled, you can make VoIP calls from nearly anywhere. T-Mobile has given its users many, many options. You can use T-Mobile's VoIP from:

• Facebook
• bobsled.com
• web browser with Bobsled extension
• mobile phone with app (iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad and Android phones)

T-Mobile VoIP Price

T-Mobile's Bobsled is completely free and get this, you don't need to be a T-Mobile customer to use T-Mobile VoIP. Like all mobile VoIP, you only pay for the data used on your cell phone.

The mobile apps are also free.

T-Mobile VoIP Calls, Features

With T-Mobile's VoIP program, you can call mobile and landline numbers in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico from within or without the US. So far, you can only make outgoing calls. You can't receive VoIP calls, but it's a step in the right direction.

Bobsled also consolidates your address book with your Facebook. You then have the option of how to connect to your contacts, including leaving a voice message on their Facebook wall. T-Mobile claims it will integrate other social networks in the future.

You can message your contacts over Facebook chat with either your mobile number or your Facebook account, as well.

T-Mobile VoIP Apps

T-Mobile's Bobsled mobile app and browser plugin are softphones, which normally present you with a virtual dial pad. Additionally, Bobsled offers one-click dialing from your contact/Facebook friend list.

As long as you have an Internet connection, you can use the program.

Drawbacks

As stated, you cannot receive calls through Bobsled from a non-Bobsled user.

Currently, the iOS and Android apps cannot call out to regular phone numbers or chat with Facebook friends like Bobsled can from a computer. You can only call Facebook friends.

So, really, you aren't required to have T-Mobile service, but you have to have a Facebook account.

Some reviewers have noted that voice messages left on Facebook are public. According to the the T-Mobile Bobsled FAQ, the iOS and Android apps do this "due to a limitation in the way Facebook lets mobile applications interact with its messaging platform." With the browser extension, however, you can select to send the message privately instead of "Share."

Other Mobile VoIP Services

Even before Bobsled, T-Mobile had HotSpot@Home before discontinuing it in 2010. HotSpot was another unlimited VoIP phone program, using a customer's own Wi-Fi. It was a complete home VoIP service to compete with the likes of Vonage and POTS providers. This version of T-Mobile VoIP cost $10 a month, but it never picked up steam.

Hopefully, T-Mobile will upgrade the Bobsled apps so you can call other phones like the full service of HotSpot VoIP. As is, Bobsled is a novelty for calling Facebook friends from your smartphone.

Many people have speculated that Bobsled either won't be free forever or will introduce ads for revenue. Extensions or optional features could cost money in the future, too.