T-Mobile launch Wi-Fi/GSM service

Link: T-Mobile Hotspot @Home Service Available Nationwide (MobileBurn)

Following a trial in Seattle last October, T-Mobile have today rolled out their Hotspot @ Home service across the US.

The service, which relies on a handful of branded Wi-Fi compatible phones from Nokia and Samsung, allows customers to seamlessly roam between their home wireless network and the T-Mobile GSM network – and also gives unlimited free nationwide phone calls when in range of a compatible hotspot.

The handsets currently retail for $49.99 on a two year contract, and come bundled with a modified Linksys or D-Link wireless router. There’s a monthly charge of $19.99 for users on a standard plan, or $29.99 for family plans.

What’s not quite clear is whether T-Mobile are planning to launch a similar service here in the UK. Considering their current stand-off with mobile VOIP providers Truphone, it could be interesting times ahead.