EarthLink has begun a beta test of a phone that will use its municipal Wi-Fi network as well as a consumer's home network to both place and receive calls. The first tests will occur on the company's network in Anaheim.

Accton Technology has been selected to manufacture the phones, which will be made available to select beta testers in the city. Those in the region could sign up for the beta by calling 1-800-352-7650, the company said.

While service will be free during the beta test, EarthLink announced several pricing plans that will be made available to consumers following the official launch. A $100 setup fee will be charged at signup, which would include the phone, and a charger that also functions as a 802.11 b/g wireless router.

Price plans will include one for $14.95 per month including 500 minutes and unlimited incoming calls. An unlimited plan will also be made available for $24.95 monthly.

"What separates our Wi-Fi phone from others is its ability to work over EarthLink's municipal Wi-Fi networks," EarthLink senior vice president of voice Steve Howe said. "This means that EarthLink is now bringing cheap phone calls using the Internet to the world of mobile -- a major breakthrough."