wiPhone

In an effort to minimize redundant utilities (and other reasons--see below), I've decided to leave the world of contemporary cellular technology. In fact, I may be coining a new term: "wiPhone". The term is an obvious homage/hybridization of 'wifi' and 'iPhone'--two technologies that make this conversion possible.

Using Skype's call-in/out services, I'm now telecommunicating strictly via wireless network--sort of like a landline wherever wifi exists. As already pointed out "wiPhone" may force the question of why decided to make this move. Hopefully, this manifesto will elucidate my motives.

Rationale (in no particular order)

-Vote of No Confidence

I have little or no faith in FCC regulations. What are the side effects of a 50 years of cellular radiation? No one knows because the technology hasn't been around that long. No. Maybe?

-Cost Effectivity

Skype's unlimited calling to U.S. and Canada from anywhere is $11/month. Tmobile 600 minutes + text messages is $50/month (including taxes, fees, etc). That's $600/year for the next 43 years I plan to be alive: $25,800 prior to inflation and medical costs compared to $5,676. Also, I'd be surprised if there doesn't come even cheaper, if not free, VOiP services.

-Globality/Globalization/Globalism

Can be reached anywhere in the world (am I leaving the U.S. again? I don't know, but if you throw money at me, that may make me stay)

-Video Calls

Remember Demolition Man? Back to the Future 2? Both foresaw video calls. So has the new iPhone

-Etiquette

Let's face it: most of the places we find others using cell phones is just annoying. Cars, grocery stores, sidewalks, park benches. Has anyone really had that much that needed to be said and couldn't wait until they got home? (FYI even without a wireless contract you can still make 911 calls.) Perhaps we're just not used to hearing stories of minutiae in the public sphere; perhaps the younger generation will be enthralled with the epic tails of corporate life while riding the public transit. I, however, am not. Actually, I've noticed almost everywhere that fixed phones didn't exist, I find phone usage annoying. Maybe there's a pattern there: social scientists unite!

Effects (in order of greatest to least concern)

-Saved Money, et al.

-Less connectivity

At least at the moment. Who knows what technology will wins the next battle--city wide wifi or wimax or even my idealized device of infinite capacity that stores all the internet in the palm of your hand. One thing that is certain: I'm not satisfied with cellular/wireless technology as it stands today and I'm not going to pay upwards of $100/month for the both of them.

-Requisite improved planning

No more "I'll call you when I get there". Some concept of immediate future will be necessary. I'm fine with that. I hope you're willing to take this leap of faith with me.

Is this a "good idea"? I'm not sure, but it's an idea, nonetheless, and I'd like to test it. Indeed, exactly two calendar years ago, one Jenny Fitzsimmons had the idea of canceling her cell phone. I've become sympathetic to some of that idea's parameters while supplementing it with other ideas.

This manifesto isn't intended to proselytize. I just like to explain the circumstances I'm going to enter.

If you're interested in also getting a wiPhone as an alternative to cellphones here's what you'll need:

-A phone that can receive wifi --iPhone, NexusOne, et al. (Now's a great time to buy previously owned iPhone 3GS since many will be selling them to get the new iPhone)

-wifi--home or outside (upward of $60/month from Comcast...ouch)

-VoIP-skype or something where you can call ($11/month for unlimited calling and a voicemail to catch messages when you're away from a network)

-TextPlus-I recommend this free app that sends texts to and from a wireless iPhone