Mobile phone a nono - webphone yes...
The iPhone - which might get a very different name when introduced - isn't a mobile phone; it's a phone connectivity service. As with so many recent Apple introductions, it is mostly relevant for the US, since that is where the cross-over points between Internet and local phonelines will be introduced. The widespread practice in the States of letting local phone calls be free is to a large extent what makes the idea interesting.
The network will have three major components: Mac-to-other computers, Mac-to-fixed phones (the call is sent via a locally stationed computer), and Mac-to-SMS. The latter is more relevant in Europe, but only the countries that already have such a (non-Mac) service will be eligible.
These services will be tied in with the .mac package. Needless to say, using relevant software (faxSTF, etc), one can send faxes.
The Mac-to-Mac part will include voicemail, VoIP, and videophoning; however, all these things will probably introduced in several packages.
And Apple just MIGHT introduce a VERY elegant headset module (ear-/microphones), using the upcoming standard Bluetooth integration in new Macs - as an extra, of course. Long-term, Apple is working on renewing voice-command/dictation services in the OS (still discussing whether to invest a MAJOR pile of cash on such a risky software development project, or go out and acquire the rights from someone like, say, Philips), and that also demands such a device, of course.
But the stagnation looms large....
engpjp
