Re-thinking from BT could boost VoIP solutions

Major broadband provider BT is expected to re-consider its future infrastructure plans in a way that could help boost the prevalence of VoIP solutions, an expert claims.

The company has concentrated on developing its 21st Century Network as part of its plans to upgrade the broadband access it provides in the UK, but the decision has resulted in VoIP hardware being used on a smaller scale in Britain.

Rupert Wood, principal analyst at telecoms adviser Analysys Mason, said that VoIP solutions could become more widely used over the next few years if BT decides to focus on fibre optics instead.

Mr Wood said: "BT is likely to change its mind I think, but this has meant that operators have tended not to think in terms of moving to VoIP - they've seen an alternative route to controlling costs on fixed lines, reducing prices and remaining competitive."

There was a decline of almost two per cent in the number of fixed lines being used by business customers during the first quarter of this year, according to industry regulator Ofcom, suggesting greater take-up of VoIP solutions.