'Mobile' desktop phone

Go Mobile yesterday launched Malta's first wireless GSM desktop phone, a potential replacement of one's home landline.

The GSM desktop phone is a wireless device that communicates through Go Mobile's GSM network. It offers mobility as well as other advantages such as comfort, ease of use, a large display, and a full built-in Qwerty keyboard allowing easy SMS typing.

Juanito Camilleri, Go Mobile's chief executive officer, said the Jablotron GDP-02 desktop phone, which costs about Lm50, can be used as a supplementary option to one's mobile phone. It contains a Go Mobile Sim card and therefore can be taken from one home to a summer house or office - without the need of paying for an extra line. Moreover, one can send and receive SMSs through the phone. The GDP-02 also has a 200 name phonebook and speakerphone.

He added that for the time being existing mobile rates will apply when using the desktop phone, depending on whether the Sim inserted in the set is a contract or pre-paid line. However, Prof. Camilleri said the company is assessing the market's interest in the device and is considering the launch of special tariffs tailored for it.