Subscribers to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephone services worldwide has risen to
over 100 million, according to UK-based market research firm Point Topic.
The 100 million mark had been surpassed in September 2009, a growth rate of 15% since the beginning of last year. The current number is now estimated at 110 million, showing 10% growth in the last 5 months. The data excluded software-based VoIP and only counted the type of VoIP that is accessed using a normal telephone handset. The recent financial crisis may have been a catalyst in driving more consumers to the cheaper and in some ways better VoIP telephone technology.
An
ACMA report released in December 2009 indicates that VoIP usage by medium-sized SMEs in Australia grew from 27 per cent to 30 per cent last year. The main barriers to up-take of the voice technology were found in the ACMA report to be due to lack of awareness (48 per cent); satisfaction with current voice communications (16 per cent); and a perception that is too hard to set up (15 per cent). These barriers should deteriorate however, as awareness is raised about the advantages of VoIP telephone services, especially as so-called Naked-DSL services are becoming more available, wiping out the need to pay fixed line rental to the telecommunications incumbents.
Another advantage of VoIP over its older PSTN counterpart for SMEs (apart from price) is the ease with which the service can be moved between locations, the added telephony user functions and the ability to add unlimited extensions internally within an office or between remote offices. However to ensure reliability, of service for SME customers, a robust Internet connection is required.
AWD provide business telephony consultation, setup and support in Australia. To find out more about VoIP services and how we can save your business money with this technology, contact AWD today.
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