The problem is NOT T-mobile blocking the use of the VOIP client on their network, but rather refusing to terminate regular cellular calls TO a block of UK numbers recently assigned to Truphone.

This is NOTHING to do with data plans. We’re talking regular GSM cellular calls on the T-mobile side.

It’s akin to, say, T-mobile refusing to connect calls to Virgin Mobile subscribers. It’s just punitive.

So here comes WiMax. Be interesting to see how the telco’s respond?

However, T-Mobile’s fears could almost be understandable. How else are they going to meet their performance projections? ;) Rebtel’s CEO Hjalmar Windbladh explained that Vodafone’s annual revenue increases can be attributed to customers not using their inclusive minutes offered with their phone contracts. Read the full story on http://blog.rebtel.com/ Perhaps, they want to protect their investment in Jajah?

Personally, the troubles between T-Mobile and Truphone are indicative of old phone company mentality. However, the real discussion is why trouble yourself, there already exists a solution for long distance calls – the real solution is http://www.rebtel.com

The general assumption that call to 07xxx Mobile Number = Termination on Expensive Mobile Network is now invalid.

Calls to any number – fixed, mobile, VoIP or a Skype or other ID – now might actually terminate on a cellphone, fixed phone, or other device, via VoWLAN, VoIPo3G, circuit, high-quality circuit, voicemail server or perhaps be forked to 2 or more of these.

Some solutions are possible -

a) Biller keeps all the money, but they have to interconnect everywhere to keep their customers happy

b) Because mobile numbers are more “valuable” than fixed numbers (people tend to put them in their phonebooks first, plus they assume they can receive SMS etc), charge the operator for each 07x number issued.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWt0XUocViE

I don’t know if there’s a Net Neutrality movement in Europe, but the video is proof they need one.