Demand for VoIP 'increasing worldwide'

More firms are making the decision to switch to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, according to new figures.

Global revenues from IP telephony sales grew to $6,908 million (£3,383 million) in 2006, according to broadband research firm Point Topic.

Western Europe formed the largest base of subscribers to these VoIP services, producing income for supplier amounting to $2,639 million (£1,292 million).

Senior analyst of Point Topic John Bosnell suggested that the increase in revenues had been prompted by more customers taking up 'triple-play' service bundles which feature VoIP, broadband and TV in one package.

"The more VoIP is offered as a part of a bundle of services, the higher the average monthly VoIP revenue is," he said.

Point Topic predicted that consumers may begin to expect VoIP to be included in their broadband packages, but noted that the services are currently being targeted at either individuals or firms that are heavy telephone users.

VoIP services provide access to cheaper calls and can simplify finances by merging internet services such as broadband into the same bill.