Mobile players are also conscious the technology must meet the iPod generation's expectations - for example, handover between VoIP over wi-fi and cellular networks must not be a problem, Eagleton added: "The bigger issue is making it seamless...
The most notable example of the Wi-Fi/VoIP combination comes as a result of the Motorola/Avaya/Proxim alliance. The plan is particularly pertinent as Motorola is soon to release the MPX, a smart phone supporting Wi-Fi.
Ron Garriques, Motorola's mobile devices business president, said: "The addition of Good Technology will advance Motorola's vision of seamless mobility. This acquisition will continue to strengthen Motorola as a leading provider of mobility devices...
Paul Sergeant, director of marketing for WiMax at Motorola, said: "Carriers don't like their futures dependent on a single vendor. Intel and Motorola have already announced they plan to collaborate to speed up adoption of the new standard.
Andy Wilton, director of research for Motorola GSM Products, said: "The revolution will be in the role Bluetooth will play. Personal area connectivity will also be complemented by the user's ability to transfer from wide area to public cellular...
Last month Motorola declared a partnership with Avaya and Proxim to develop devices and services for enterprise use and it has followed this up with a trial with US mobile network operator Nextel of dual-mode WLAN-cellular handsets.