Mobile operators should 'embrace' VoIP solutionS

Mobile phone operators should embrace mobile VoIP solutions, according to experts.

Ovum, an IT analyst firm, has urged the mobile telecoms industry to provide its own VoIP services in order to compete with internet call providers.

Steven Hartley, principal analyst at Ovum, expressed his belief that firms can no longer wait for further deployment of 3G networks that would allow them to compete in the VoIP market.

He added: "Far better to confront the issue head on and turn it to your advantage . . . you can only compete with VoIP providers with your own VoIP services."

A handful of mobile network operators have already done this by partnering up with existing VoIP providers, allowing them to "monetise the relationship, while also serving demand".

An estimated 288 million people are expected to use mobile VoIP solutions by the end of 2013, according to a study published by market research firm In-Stat in March.