C228s Bayan “Wireless Landline”
January 20, 2008 by Jayvee Fernandez
Filed under Accessories, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Monitor, Services, Special Features, The Unwired Life
I was sent over a HUAWEI CDMA-based C228s phone, aptly known as the “Bayan wireless landline.” With GSM being the primary network used for mobile phones in Asia, CDMA still has its niche. In the Philippines, the wireless landline concept has become a favorite among vendors and stall owners that don’t have access to a landline.
There are of course arguments about how a wireless landline is a step back in technology - isn’t a “wireless landline” really just a mobile phone? Why repackage the concept to make it more appealing? There is a lot of truth to this, as the landline can even send SMS and browse the Internet. I would want to say though that the “perks” of the technology necessitate cheaper rates. For one, paying a flat rate per month gives you unlimited call capability to other same network wireless landlines. Data is also a lot cheaper although I personally have not tried the service quality. You may want to proceed here for a more detailed user review of the wireless landline.
In the photos are the contents of the CDMA HUAWEI mobile phone with FM tuner. In terms of features, there’s nothing really spectacular about the unit apart from the fact that it is very light and small. I tried using the phone to make several calls and the signal is highly dependent on the area of coverage you reside in.
Is the wireless landline a step back in technology? Maybe. But there is still a strong niche when it comes to this service. For business owners that don’t want to rely on mobile phones for their shop keepers, this is a good alternative. This leaves me with several questions:
Is CDMA obsolete in other parts of the world? So is it all about the rates then? In your country, how do other telcos rebrand themselves to meet market expectations? Would love to hear from you.
P.S. Though this only applies to where I’m from, the rates are listed here.
“wireless landline” is any oxymoron.
I guess they simply don’t want to position themselves again the cellphone giants, but technically, these are cellphones as well
Hi ~ ive used CDMA in both China and Japan and find it better than GSM ~ signal and call quality ~ also the handsets are nicer ~ in China PHS (or xiao lingtong) is the “wireless home phone” with only 8 digit telephone numbers, light weight handsets and criminally cheap calls…
When i was in Japan it was kind of a bad thing to have a PHS phone because its so cheap and “untrendy” but i saved a bundle.. so really who cares if its labeled as a mobile phone or as a wireless house phone~ as long as you can SMS and call who cares~
Im moving to the P’pines soon ~~
Cant wait!!! I love you ~ !!!