VoIP 'crucial to the monetisation of 4G networks'

Offering value-added services such as VoIP solutions is critical to the monetisation of 4G network investments, a new report has found.

Wireless 20/20's analysis concluded that 4G operators can boost their average revenue per user (ARPU) and improve their return on investment by providing enhanced IP telephony solutions rather than data-only services.

According to the Maximising Operator Value from VoIP Services paper, launching 4G VoIP services will lead to a 25 to 50 per cent increase in ARPU and concluded that value-added solutions are crucial if firms are to see significant returns.

Haig Sarkissian, principal consultant of Wireless 20/20, said: "Operators deploying VoIP over 4G networks are faced with a critical decision as to whether they should build and manage an in-house VoIP platform or partner with a cloud-based, hosted VoIP solution provider."

David Cargill, an Internet Telephony Services Providers' Association council member, said recently that hosted VoIP solutions are the most simple and flexible option for small and medium-sized enterprises.