VoIP taking over from mobiles

Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services could be set to transform the way mobile providers are paid for their offerings in future, it has been claimed.

Although many providers have so far resisted the use of VoIP services over mobile phones, it has been suggested that such a stance will not last long and in the years to come VoIP will be widespread on mobile phones.

According to a report published by the Gerson Lehrman Group, the growth in demand for VoIP services from individuals as well as businesses will result in many more people making cheap or free calls over their mobile phones.

"Within 18-30 months the pressure will be on carriers to position 'carrier voice' as a premium convenience 'dialable' service as compared to free VoIP services," the report concluded.

It added: "As this evolution begins to take hold, prepaid services will begin to look less attractive versus a low-cost post-paid plan with data."

The growth in demand of VoIP technology was recently highlighted when Apple's iPhone introduced the service. Over a million users downloaded the application within two days of it becoming available.