Migration to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is predicted to reach its peak between 2010-2012, with penetration starting to grow over the next four years according to high-tech market research firm, In-Stat.
The new
Carrier NGN Migration Strategies report, shows that the time frame of VoIP adoption is largely dependent on carriers’ strategies for the move to the Next-Generation Network (NGN).
Keith Nissen, In-Stat analyst, explains; “A carrier’s NGN migration strategy is heavily influenced by factors such as the cost of maintaining the Public Switched Networks (PSTN), available investment funds, technology, regulatory polices, pricing trends and competition. Each carrier will develop its own unique NGN migration strategy.”
In-Stat revealed that carriers worldwide are developing migration mechanisms that include next-generation overlays, PSTN replacement and network optimism. These strategies are forecast to directly impact the type, quantity and timing of future equipment purchases over the next five years.
The report concludes that as VoIP competition and demand rises over the coming five years, incumbent carriers will increasingly opt for PSTN replacement to lower operating costs.
A recent study by International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that VoIP is beginning to attract more consumers, predicting 27 million users to have subscribed by 2009, an increase of 24 million from the 3 million who currently use the technology (see VoIP Gaining In Popularity).
A number of recent studies confirm forecasts for strong VoIP growth, predicting penetration to reach nearly 20 million households worldwide by 2010. Although currently the uptake is slow, over the next five years VoIP is estimated to reach about 25% of the high-speed internet access market, generating nearly $1 billion (see VoIP To Reach 20 Million Households By 2010)
The slow uptake of VoIP is put down to lack of consumer knowledge, with awareness of the technology yet to penetrate the marketplace. New research from TNS Telecoms shows that just 26% of US households with internet access claim to have heard of VoIP service (see RAJAR Widens Audiometer Tests To Include BARB).
This level of consumer awareness is virtually unchanged from nearly a year ago, when a poll by Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 27% of internet users in the US had heard of VoIP.
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