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Rumor Mill: Apple to buy VoIP provider iCall
Google has been buying up VoIP companies, so it only makes sense for its rival Apple to do the same. Rumors are floating about that Apple may be in the market for VoIP provider iCall.
iCall is a low-cost VoIP provider with desktop software, browser-based calling and mobile apps. The company also has enterprise offerings including SIP termination. The connection to Apple lies in it's iPhone app which allows users to intercept cellphone calls and answer them through the VoIP service. Speculation as to why Apple might want iCall ranges from their interest in competing with others on VoIP software--getting the technology in-house rather than rely on apps or even to offer iPhones without calling plans--to just wanting the company for its name with the lower-case 'i' being a calling card of Apple's.
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Comments
Posted by Anonymous | December 15, 2009 - 11:34am
There are a variety of arguments about why Apple might purchase iCall but I think the most compelling is that iCall holds the patent for VoIP advertising.
Perhaps it is an attempt by Apple to keep Google from driving prices down through ad subsidies?
Link to the patent: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=05KiAAAAEBAJ
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