UK could be world's top spot for VoIP use

The adoption of VoIP solutions around the UK has been rising in recent times, as more and more businesses and residential users realise the benefits of being able to run calls over the internet rather than through traditional telephone lines.

Lowering costs and boosting productivity are undoubtedly among the primary reasons to invest in a new and up to date VoIP system.

However, the quality of the result is likely to be hugely impacted by the strength and reliability of the internet connection on which the VoIP hardware is running.

The good news for users in the UK is that they are seemingly set up to enjoy the very best of VoIP, perhaps more so than people in any other part of the world. That is because the country's Wi-fi infrastructure is second to none, with BT releasing new figures that illustrate its strength.

According to the telecommunications company, some 652 million hotspots will be available on the wireless network around the world by 2015, with 21 million of these due to be found in the UK. This is up from Britain's current total of 18 million.

In terms of VoIP use, one of the major advantages of a high-quality Wi-fi infrastructure is the fact it makes mobile VoIP a much easier prospect. Many firms are relying on staff working remotely, so allowing them easy access to cheap calls through their handset is a vital ability.

BT Wi-fi chief executive officer Andy Baker said: "As tablets and smartphones have become increasingly popular, connecting to the internet through Wi-fi has become more relevant. We are proud to offer our customers free access to one of the biggest wi-fi networks in the world."

A recent report by Visiongain predicted the mobile VoIP market will be worth a total of $2.5 billion (£1.6 billion) by the end of this year.