User:Eastmain/Parlino

Parlino was an Internet telephony (VoIP) network based on open standard SIP-protocols, launched by Parlino S.A. of Luxembourg, a fully owned company of the Swedish Tele 2 Group.

History
Launched on May 2 2006, Parlino is a software-based VoIP application which made it possible to make free phone calls with a PC over the Internet. The software also made calls to ordinary landline phones or mobiles. In early 2007, Parlino suddenly shut down its operation. The trademark Parlino is today used for a segment of Tele2 subscription-free cell phone calling cards aimed at young cell phone users.

Technology
To use Parlino, a software client for Windows XP/Windows 2000 had to be downloaded (a version for Mac was never released). The user opened an account and downloaded the freeware from the Parlino website. The Parlino software was based on the open standard IAX2 for soft phones; and SIP-compatible protocols for the main infrastructure. According to Tele2, the open based platform provided for better sound quality than Skype, though there weren't any official scientific verification for that claim.

Features
For use into public telephone networks, assets had to be loaded by means of a credit card. The balance expired after 180 days of inactivity. The service offered the option of "Parlino Dial-in", providing users with a regular telephone number which could be dialed at a national rate, irrespective of whether the Parlino user's location. The Parlino phone number could also be forwarded to any other phone number or connected to a voicemail service. Text messages (SMS) could be sent to any cell phone for an initial rate of €0.07. Emergency calls were not possible.

Usage
Tele2 never released any figures of customers or active users. As a launch offering, the first 10,000 customers would received a free wireless VoIP phone (DECT) which is to be connected by USB with the PC (this offer was still pending when Parlino shut down its operation in 2007).