Widespread adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) depends on the availability of wireless VoIP handsets, with dual-mode cellular/WiFi handsets being the key driver to mass consumer adoption, according to In-Stat.
The high-tech market research firm predicts that globally by 2009 over 66 million cellular/WiFi handsets will be in operation.
In-Stat claims that technological advances are causing an increase in uptake of VoIP service in both consumer and business markets.
Keith Nissen, In-Stat analyst explains: “Wireless high-speed broadband access, unified messaging, video and dual-network cellular/WiFi services are making the mobile triple play a consumer market reality.”
He added: “The key to successfully capturing the market for these next-generation personalised services is control of the end-point device.”
Other key findings from In-Stat’s Wireless IP Phones Drive Future VoIP Markets report include forecasts that worldwide consumer VoIP subscribers using wireless IP phones will increase to 73% in 2009, up from the current 2%.
Based on competition from mobile carriers without wireless operations, Europe is predicted to be the largest initial market for dual-mode smartphones.
Although mass production of dual-mode sets is not scheduled until 2007, an In-Stat market survey found that over 80% of businesses have an interest in the technology.
The latest estimates from Point Topic suggest that currently over 11 million people use retail VoIP, marking an increase from just over five million in mid-2004 (see Worldwide VoIP Subscribers More Than Double).
Revenues for residential voice over internet protocol (VoIP) in North America are predicted to expand considerably over the next few years, increasing to over $4 billion by 2010, up from $295.1 million in 2004, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan (see Residential VoIP Revenues Forecast To Increase To Over $4 Billion By 2010).
The research group estimates the number of residential VoIP lines to increase to about 18 million by 2010, up from just 1.5 million in 2004
A study by International Data Corporation (IDC) confirms VoIP’s increase in popularity, predicting that 27 million users will have subscribed by 2009, an increase of 24 million from the 3 million who currently use the technology (see Mixed Outlook For US Advertising Market).
Related Links
