BT Ribbit lets you answer mobile calls on the net

 

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Posted on 3 Nov 2009 at 17:13

Consumers and small businesses could reduce phone bills with a web-based service called Ribbit Mobile, due to be introduced next year.

According to BT, which owns the service, Ribbit Mobile is designed as a central control panel for phone services, offering facilities such as answering your mobile over the net, voice-to-text messaging and VoIP callback.

“Basically, this treats voice as an application that can be embedded and managed over the web,” a spokesperson for BT told PC Pro. “We see it being useful for SMEs and consumers who want to stay in touch using several different devices managed through one location.”

As Ribbit Mobile is a cloud-based service, it works with virtually all mobile phones, BT claims. “There are more than 60 million mobile phones in the UK, and the Ribbit Mobile service works with most of them,” says Ted Griggs, chief executive of Ribbit. “You don’t need a new number or a new device, and you don’t have to download software or sign a contract. You simply activate Ribbit on your phone and go.

“We built this for people who always want to be connected and not restricted by the capabilities of their mobile device. As long as you have an internet connection, you will be able to make and receive calls and get your messages, even if you don’t have your phone with you.”

Ribbit says it isn't concerned about cannibalising revenues from its parent company, because unspecified premium services on the site will incur a fee. “We'll also be hoping to generate revenue by bringing other developers on to the platform,” the spokesperson said.

If successful, the service could be a boon for business travellers or gap-year students who want to keep track of calls and messages without incurring huge roaming bills or setting up local services while overseas.

“There's a guy here who's from the States and he has kept his mobile and picks up messages and calls online through the service without turning his handset on – it's especially useful for people who travel a lot,” the BT spokesperson claims.

The service is due to be trialled early next year, with a full rollout following the beta.