Consumer demand could increase Mobile VoIP traffic

Increasing demand for mobileVoIP solutions could force operators to expand access to the service, according to research

Ovum, the technology analyst firm, claims that consumer clamor for mobile IP telephony solutions could force firms to adopt the technology before they want to.

The majority of mobile operators are currently refusing to fully embrace VoIP packages in a bid to maintain revenue from traditional, higher-cost voice services.

Steven Hartley, principal analyst at Ovum and report co-author, expressed his belief that without outside pressure, operators would not offer the technology until they implemented 4G networks.

He added: "By this time, operators would be able to offer their own VoIP services at a cost far below today's circuit-switched networks. However, in the real world, user demand, competitor strategies, and increasing regulator interest in the net neutrality debate are dictating the timeline."

Ovum believe it would be in the best interests of mobile operators to implement VoIP, as cheaper tariffs will attract new users or even encourage data plan uptake.