Panasonic launches Joip internet phones

Panasonic is moving into the internet telephony market, launching two phones using a service called Joip.

Described as an alternative to Skype, Joip uses a competing standard called Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) which, in theory, makes it compatible with other SIP internet phones.

Two Globarange phones, initially shown at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, will be the first to support Joip and are set to go on sale in the UK in August.

The Globarange phones come with a standard telephone jack for regular phone service and an Ethernet jack to connect the phone to a broadband-enabled router.

Panasonic has teamed up with Deltathree to provide the service in a mutually exclusive deal. The two companies will provide free calling between Joip-enabled Globarange phones.

At extra cost, Joip will also offer text messaging, a community directory, call forwarding to multiple numbers, do not disturb options and voice message notification via email.

The first two phones will be the BB-GT1520, which has a 45 minute answering machine, and the BB-GT1540, which has a dual keypad so calls can be made from either the handset or base. Both phones are wireless and feature caller waiting, caller ID and speakerphone.