Next.Billion.Net reports that WiFi phones are becoming increasingly popular in rural areas.

The models it discusses are the following:

” UTstarcom F1000 Wi-Fi VoIP Phone

The F1000 residential Wi-Fi handset expands the reach of VoIP
communications. It provides consumers a new cost effective way to
communicate, and includes features such as 3-way Calling, Call Waiting,
Call Transfer and many popular features. The phone is being sold under
a number of different names (e.g. Vonage & BroadVoice), and costs about $130.

HOP1502 Wi-Fi IP phone

Hop-on, Inc is launching the HOP1502 Wi-Fi IP phone and bundled
software solution that allows users to make calls from any Wi-Fi
hotspot. Service providers can offer a range of call features, such as
three-way calling, call waiting, call forwarding and more. The HOP1502
also enables voice processes, including comfort noise generation, voice
activity detection, and echo cancellation. The phone is expected to cost $39.

Nokia 6136

Mobile equipment manufacturer Nokia says it is unifying GSM and
Wi-Fi connectivity with a new mobile phone that’s compatible with both
wireless standards. The 6136 is a quad-band phone that will connect to
GSM networks at 850, 900, 1800, and 1900MHz, which means it will work
in the US as well as Europe. It comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera and an
FM radio, and supports microSD memory cards. Release is planned for the
second quarter of 2006.

Linksys WIP300 and WIP330

The latest entry into the market comes from Linksys. The WIP300
and WIP330 are the first in a line of Wireless IP telephony products from
Linksys that will enable users to make low-cost Voice over IP (VoIP)
calls through 802.11g wireless networks. The WIP300 and WIP330 are
available immediately through authorized Linksys distributors with
estimated street prices of $220 and $370 respectively. Additional
products from the Linksys family of WiFi phones will be launched in the ”
second half of 2006.”