Google Voice is going to change the mobile space.

Think about it, when you buy a new mobile phone, you’re usually focusing on the hardware – you find something you really like, then you have to battle with yourself and the providers, to try and find a tarrif that fits you. For the most part they’re overly expensive. If there’s ever a reason you don’t buy a new phone, it’s usually because of the contract surrounding it. Wether that be having to move network, or getting locked into another x month term, it’s never pleasant.

Google are big enough to bring VoIP into the mainstream. I know, I know, Skype have been trying to do this to, and I give them props. But they just don’t have the mainstream clout that Google have. I think betweeen the two companies we’re seeing some amazing changes in the mobile space.

Imagine purchasing a handset, simply because you like it. At a reasonable price. Now imagine not having to shift providers, or sign up to 12/18/24 month contacts. You simply login to your Skype or Google account and you’re away. All your contacts, voicemails, text messages in tact. People can even borrow your phone, and use their own accounts!

VoIP is cheap as chips, you could quite easily cut your current mobile phone expenses in half (or more) by switching to VoIP. But what’s holding it back? … mobile network providers.

At the moment, there are too many rules about what kind of applications can and cannot by used over 3G. While there area a minority of networks that allow users to run VoIP software of a 3G connection, the majority are scared shitless. So they should be.

As I can see it, there are two ways for Google to take over the world mobile market. If Google get hold of some mobile spectrum, forming their own network, or if they provide blanket wifi access. Both of which are not new ideas. Google are already thinking about acquiring wireless spectrum, and they’re already providing blanket wireless internet in some places. But neither of which are on a large scale. At least not anywhere near enough to threaten the current mobile network providers at current.

VoIP still has a long way to go in the commercial market, people still pay silly “line rental” (mostly because a PSTN line is required for most broadband connections) when they could be plugging their phone into a router. Most companies use some form of VoIP, because they understand the cost savings – especially with multiple handsets, and/or international calls. I just can’t wait for the day that VoIP rules the commercial sector (especially mobile handsets) as it currently does the business sector.

One thing that’s really bothered me about Skype is the lack of SIP compatibilty. Skype has always been very proprietary and closed-off. For example, with any other SIP provider you can call cross-network for free, as well as the obvious internal SIP-to-SIP calls being free. Skype has always offered free Skype-to-Skype calls, but that’s as far as they went. The other, arguably more important aspect of supporting the SIP protocol is the option of using SIP hardware. I mentioned before, most businesses use VoIP telephones these days, most of which are SIP compatible. If Skype wanted to reach a broader audience they only have to allow regular SIP phones to connect to the Skype service. This is what they’re testing at the moment.

With Skype-to-SIP you can use a regular SIP phone to connect to the Skype network, which not only allows you to use your Skype credit for outgoing calls and keep your Skype number for incoming calls, but also allows you to call Skype users for free. This is fantastic, a good move from Skype. Now the sexy Cisco 7960 sitting on my desk can be used to make calls to my Skype friends for free.

I’m so excited about Google Voice on the mobile, and Skype over SIP. These technologies are really shaping the future of telephone communications. Let’s face it, nobody likes wearing a headset plugged into a computer to make phone calls.