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Well I think it might be.

There are already a myriad of software applications that will let you use your computer and its internet connection to carry voice conversations -- hell many of them will do video as well. However, the problem is that usually, the person you want to talk with has to also be running the software, and be running it at the exact moment you want to call them.

As a result of these limitations, not a lot of people use their PCs as an IP telephone --- yet.

But, when you look at the huge (and still growing) number of people already using P2P networks such as Kazaa, and add to this the success of IM services such as ICQ and Microsoft Messenger, it becomes obvious that a well-crafted piece of VOIP software, properly designed and marketed, could well take off.

But software alone probably won't be enough -- I reckon the breakthrough will come when some bright spark launches a low-cost WiFi VOIP telephone that can operate either as a regular cordless phone or as a device that talks using VOIP through your PC's own WiFi system.

Now *that* would be a real giant-killer. Watch the telcos scurry for cover if the Chinese started churning out such a device and networks like Kazaa offered to act as a global VOIP telephone exchange for just $9.95 a month.

Of course you'd need a DSL or other full-time net connection for this to be practical - but how long before the power companies started throwing WiFi nodes up at the end of each suburban block and began to offer VOIP phone services?

It strikes me that with this huge potential threat to Telecom NZ's dominance in the voice market, perhaps it would make good sense for them to take the initiative and unbundle the local loop as soon as possible. By doing this, and offering access to competitors at a reasonable rate, it would provide less incentive for power companies and enterprising new operators to simply bypass the copper -- and the rest of Telecom's phone network altogether.

A wise man once told me that it's better to have a single slice from each of a million loaves of bread than it is to have a whole loaf to yourself.

Lighten Up
Relax, recline, become recumbent and ready yourself for this week's riotous, relay of rich regale from the odder and more interesting side of the Net.

Do you ever have one of those days when nothing goes right? You know -- you stub your toe walking to the shower, you slip on the soap, you spill your coffee down the front of your white shirt, etc., etc. Well next time you think you've got it bad, spare a thought for the guys who were working on this satellite worth many, many millions of dollars. oops! sorry! And there is apparently no truth to the rumour that twenty technicians cried out in unison "wasn't me!"

I love a good parody and even though this one is tinged with a little vitriol it's still worth a look, especially if you're not a fan of NZ's latest tabloid.

And finally, just to show you how some students are putting their tuition to great use, here's a paper that will answer a question I'm sure you've asked yourself a million times already.

If any Aardvark readers want to share an opinion on today's column or add something, you're invited to chip in and have your say in The Aardvark Forums or, if you prefer, you can contact me directly.

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