How long after SBC's VoIP service launches in homes that they offer a Wi-Fi phone?: SBC had already signaled that VoIP over Wi-Fi is a long-term strategy complement for its majority-staked Cingular Wireless. By adding VoIP Into homes, they're building on the cellular/DSL/VoIP/Wi-Fi strategy.
They've pushed DSL aggressively into homes. They have sold Wi-Fi into those same homes with no per-user fee, unlike most cable plans. They are offering $1.99/month unlimited Wi-Fi on their roaming network for DSL users. They will now offer those users VoIP. They will certainly offer them a Wi-Fi-only phone for their home and hotspots (prewired for both). They will also certainly expand that to offer a cell/Wi-Fi phone with a Cingular plan and Wi-Fi roaming for a pretty low cost.
All of this is to squeeze the cable companies: it's mostly about paying the copper wire cost base, right? DSL helps them pay for all those wires in the ground. Anything that brings in more revenue on top of existing DSL customers and reduces churn helps produce a better ROI on copper. It can also decrease churn for Cingular.