Rise in VoIP solutions users predicted

The number of mobile VoIP solutions users is set to grow significantly over the next four years, according to Infonetics Research.

Estimates from the market research firm show subscriber numbers are expected to rise from 47 million in 2010 to almost 410 million by 2015 as the adoption of smartphones and mobile broadband services increases.

Over-the-top (OTT) providers will dominate the global VoIP solutions market over this period, the organisation claimed.

Although the adoption of OTT mobile VoIP services is growing rapidly, the market will still face some key challenges, directing analyst for VoIP and IMS at Infonetics Diane Myers stated.

"With free applications and extremely low revenue from users, it is tricky for application providers without the deep pockets of larger companies ... to have a sustainable long-term business model," she explained.

Her comments come after deputy chairman of the Federation of Communication Services Dave Dadds claimed VoIP solutions could replace traditional telephone systems completely in the coming years.