The article quoted below is just one example of how VoIP is changing. As I've pointed out many times in the past few months, VoIP is becoming far more than packetized voice. Unified communications using VoIP are becoming voice, video, IMS and a blend of multimedia traffic types. Fixed mobile convergence, or simple moving VoIP onto mobile phones, is yet another ley aspect of that evolution.

VoIP as we knew it just a year ago has truly become a bridge technology to next generation services and application convergence. Hang on. There are plenty more changes ahead.

Why VOIP is headed for your cell phone

Internet calling isn't just for PCs. It can also save you lots of money on mobile calls abroad.

By Patrick Baltatzis, Business 2.0 reporter

May  4, 2006:  5:30 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Business 2.0 Magazine) - For millions of users, voice over Internet protocol, or VOIP, is lowering phone bills for calls they make from their PC or land-line phone. But soon VOIP could cut cell-phone bills, too - most of all for international users.

It's a hard concept to get your head around: Many customers already pay a flat monthly fee for a bucket of calling minutes within U.S. But for business travelers, international students and immigrants, calling abroad can add up quickly. However, if they're already paying for a data plan, routing international calls over their phone's data connection -- using VOIP -- instead of a carrier's voice network, they can save considerable money.