Free Wi-Fi access could boost mobile VoIP traffic

VoIP traffic in the UK could be set to rise following BT's decision to allow its customers to access free mobile Wi-Fi.

The telecoms giant has launched a new smartphone application called BT FON which enables its home broadband subscribers to tap into BT's 1.6 million UK Wi-Fi hotspots while on the move.

Following the app's release, more Britons could easily access mobile VoIP services and could make calls over the internet rather than traditional phone networks.

John Petter, managing director of BT Retail Consumer, claimed millions of the firm's customers could benefit from the move.

He said: "This free app makes accessing Wi-Fi so simple you don't even have to think about it. This represents real value to our customers at a time when more and more people are using their mobile phone to access the internet."

BT will donate 50p they receive for each app to Children in Need as the firm looks to raise £10,000 for the charity.