Mobile VoIP makes its move

IP telephony solutions are making the transition from the fixed-line to the mobile space, RCR Wireless News has said.

This is because many of the VoIP solutions that allow consumers to make and receive free or comparatively cheaper calls via the web are now available as mobile applications.

Dan Meyer, editor at wireless communications news and information source RCR Wireless News, said that VoIP is "the latest technology advancement creeping from the wired to the wireless world".

Mr Meyer described the migration of VoIP from fixed-line to the mobile space as a "blessing and a curse" for mobile operators.

He explained that VoIP is troubling mobile operators as the VoIP carrier community is "champing at the bit" to launch mobile apps that could compete with traditional voice services.

However, mobile operators could benefit from VoIP, Mr Meyer added, due to the "significant advantage" it offers in terms of the increased voice capacity.

Mobile VoIP will be used by 288 million people by the end of 2013, In-Stat recently estimated.

According to a report from the market research firm, well over half of these users will be linked to the online VoIP provider community.