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Thursday, 15 November 2007 |
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New report predicts 250mn VoIPo3G users by 2012, “rapidly” eclipsing IP voice over WiFi.
A new research report from Disruptive Analysis suggests that new developments such as a femtocells and next-generation 3G technologies such as 3GPP LTE, 3GPP2 UMB and WiMax will drive the growth of ‘VoIP over 3G’ (VoIPo3G). It predicts more than 250mn users by the end of 2012, up from near-zero today and taking VoIPo3G comfortably past VoWiFi and dual mode VoWLAN/cellular phones by that date.
The report, entitled “VoIPo3G Business Models”, points out that these more advanced technologies are still up to five years away and suggests that the interim period could be a “disruptive” period for established operators.
According the report’s author, Dean Bubley, "3G networks are increasingly capable of supporting VoIP, for both traditional mobile operators and independent Internet-based VoIP challengers. But while CDMA operators will benefit from VoIP being 'designed-in' to their newest networks, 3GPP / HSPA operators will have to wait for several years - a window of opportunity which will be exploited by the 'over the top' players. Rather than competing head-on, partnership models have the potential to create win-win propositions."
This suggests that mobile carriers will need to plan a strategy to meet competition, whether over their own networks or from alternative technologies, before the full benefits of VoIPo3G kick in for operators and their customers alike.
Jim Chalmers
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