Wireless trial

A team at

, has developed software codenamed ‘Metakall’ which is designed to provide mobile phone users with low cost calls using public wireless hotspots.

During a month-long trial, users will be able to download call credit to try out the new phone system. They will be required to first register for the trials online and will receive codes, which can then be converted to call credit. In turn, the call credit can be used to make mobile calls using Skype, Fring, SIP or any of the widely used internet calling systems.

Prof Donal O’Mahony, Metakall project director, said: ‘The possibilities for this new technology are huge. For the first time, users will be able to make low cost calls from any part of the world using a handset or other mobile device, and will be able to seamlessly roam from one wireless hot spot area to another.’

Last year, the Metakall project team secured €400,000 (£318,000) in funding from Enterprise Ireland for the initial development of the new technology. Now the centre is looking to partner with handset vendors and manufacturers and wireless hotspot operators to commercialise the software and bring the service to market.