Wireless and broadband use on the up

Use of wireless and broadband grew in 2009, despite it being a mixed year for the telecommunications industry, TeleGeography has said.

The global communications markets research company found that wireless and broadband subscriptions rose by 15 and 14 per cent respectively last year.

This could see the use of VoIP phones rise, with potential access to mobile and desktop IP telephony solutions widening as wireless and broadband uptake increases.

TeleGeography is anticipating double-digit growth from wireless this year and next, after it bounced back in the second half of 2009 following a low in the second quarter.

The number of fixed broadband subscribers is predicted to approach six million by the end of 2011, despite the market not performing as well as expected in the final quarter of 2009.

John Dinsdale of TeleGeography said that this could be due to broadband still being a "luxury that is well beyond the reach of most" in developing markets.

VoIP solutions are making the transition from the fixed-line to the mobile space, RCR Wireless News said recently.

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