Fido announced today that it’s launched a first for the wireless industry in Canada with a new service that combines the benefits of cellular, home phone and high-speed Internet into a single handset.

 

With Fido UNO, customers can make unlimited local and Canadian long-distance wireless calls at home by leveraging an existing high-speed Internet connection with the same handset they use as their mobile device, the company said.

 

The service’s voice-optimizing wireless router is designed to improve both wireless call clarity and reception inside the home network, according to Fido.

 

It’s also easy to use, the company said: Just connect wireless router to any high-speed Internet modem and turn the handset on. The handset is designed to recognize the wireless router, enabling it to place calls through the Internet.

 

Inside the home, the Fido phone displays a WiFi symbol on its screen when operating on the home network. Outside of the home network, the cell phone automatically switches seamlessly to Fido’s network, displaying a GSM symbol on the handset screen, even during a phone call.

 

The company said it’s enabling people to talk as much as they want on their phone while at home without using up their wireless plan minutes and all the benefits of a mobile when they’re not.

 

“More and more Canadians live a wireless lifestyle and are looking for mobile solutions to help them save time and money,” said Patrick Hadsipantelis, Fido’s vice president of marketing. “Fido UNO offers a simple, seamless wireless experience for customers who want the convenience of using the same phone whether they’re out and about or at home.”

 

Fido UNO is currently available on the Nokia (News - Alert) 6301 retailing for $50 on a three-year plan, at Fido stores across Canada.

 

Fido offers Canadian consumers and businesses a wide range of wireless voice and data communications products and services, including international roaming in 200 countries/areas. Fido is wholly owned by Rogers Wireless (News - Alert) Inc., one of Canada’s largest wireless provider and the country’s only carrier operating on the global standard GSM technology platform.