Cellular providers might just have the last laugh, as the industry moves towards wireless and VoIP convergence. A new technology, dubbed UMA—or Unlicensed Mobile Access—is the traditional mobile operators’ response to the growing popularity of VoIP, and this might just be the Skype- or Vonage-killer the telcos have been looking for.

UMA basically allows seamless integration of cellular and broadband Internet connectivity via WiFi. Telcos envision the ideal scenario as residential or office WiFi networks serving a similar function as a cell site. So for instance, the moment you arrive home or at the office, your mobile phone will be switching to WiFi mode, and using on your own broadband connection to link up to the network.

Well, it’s essentially WiFi plus wireless, so what’s the difference with VoWiFi? Well, ordinarily, you’d be on a different network from your mobile provider, if you had VoWiFi, even with the current WiFi-enabled cellular phones. But with UMA, you are still on the mobile network, and you may be reached with the same telephone number—the integration is seamless!

Whether VoWiFi is the cellular killer or the other way around, consumers are sure to be the clear winners in this case, as intense competition is likely to bring handset prices and service costs down.