New VoIP Gigaset and New Services for Users

Siemens is expanding its range of hybrid telephones for fixed-line and IP calls by introducing the Gigaset C455 IP, a phone with a built-in answering machine. Also being launched are two new services for all Gigaset VoIP telephones: free access to klickTel’s online telephone book and the introduction of Gigaset.net, which allows Gigaset users to call each other free of charge via IP. The cordless C455 IP will go on sale in Germany in March and cost €110. The Gigaset C455 IP is Siemens’ third hybrid telephone — meaning it has a LAN connection for IP calls as well as a fixed-line connection. This makes it possible to conduct three conversations at the same time: one via the analogue connection and two via IP. The phone is ideal for families, as it can be used with up to six user profiles and the same number of mobile handsets. The system has a built-in answering machine that can also record conversations.

Customers wishing to use the C455 IP should have a DSL connection, preferably with flat rate, as the phone then does not need a computer, which would otherwise be required by some providers to establish a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection or for configuring the system. The phone is therefore targeted at users for whom this task was previously too complicated. Users can dial-up to the Internet by following the simple configuration menu steps on the handset’s color display. After the caller has selected his or her country and provider, the phone automatically retrieves the settings online. All the user then has to do is enter his or her access code in order to conduct calls in the usual manner.

Users also have free access to klickTel’s Internet telephone book, which contains more than 30 million entries for companies and individuals. By means of their handsets, users can either direct-dial the selected number from the search results or call up additional information such as what types of services a company offers.

Another free-of-charge service allows users of Gigaset VoIP telephones to call one another anywhere in the world at any time. To enable this service, Siemens set up a separate SIP server known as Gigaset.net. Users do not need to register with a provider for this service, as they are automatically registered and can immediately start making calls without having to configure any settings. An online telephone book contains the numbers of all of the users. Callers can search in this telephone book either for specific telephone numbers or for user-defined names.