Insiders at Comcast inform Broadband Reports that the cable giant is gearing up to launch a new VoIP phone handset system dubbed Homepoint. While the website for the service is already available, we've yet to see this mentioned elsewhere, and it appears the service will only be made available in limited markets. According to Comcasters, the service is centered around a wireless home router (802.11A/G, but no N) and the company's VoIP service, integrating all of their digital voice functionality via up to five handsets.

The device is also integrated with Comcast e-mail service, and will allow users to check e-mail, manage Comcast contacts and access visual voicemail. Users can't fully browse the web via the handset but there is limited online functionality (checking the weather, news and sports).

According to insiders, the system will only work with one phone number (for now), and doesn't integrate with home alarm systems. Broadband service is not mandatory for the service to work, though obviously some of the functionality will be restricted without it. The hardware itself (made by Thompson) comes with two Ethernet ports, one RJ-11 port, and a battery backup.

According to insiders, the service hardware will have a $5 monthly recurring charge, which replaces the $3 monthly recurring charge for the eMTA VoIP hardware. The first handset costs $39.99, as does each additional handset (up to five). While such services can appeal to users, they have a nasty tendency to duplicate functionality offered by smart phones, and if the interface and price aren't great, they have an even greater tendency to fail (see exhibit a: the Verizon Hub).