VoIP News: January 2009

The most common problems reported by broadband consumers are related to connection speeds and poor customer service, it has emerged. Price comparison website Broadband Genie has compiled all positive and negative comments made by consumers about their internet packages. Connection speeds and poor customer service were found to have the largest proportion of negative responses, followed by reliability of connections, issues with technical support, cost of calling customer service and value for money.

Service providers should better prepare themselves to combat security threats as the VoIP market evolves, experts claim. According to report by Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider, most VoIP users are "not securing their networks adequately" despite some "hard lessons" during the early security problems with email and the internet. Denise Culver, research analyst and report author, said that many VoIP providers believe that this is down to users "simply not understanding how to adequately secure their networks", which could point to the need for greater education and training.

Public involvement has a leading role to play in the future of high-speed broadband in the UK, an advisory group claims. Held on January 14th, delegates at the Joint Westminster eForum & Westminster Media Forum keynote seminar debated key elements in the Digital Britain strategy, including its impact on the public. Speaking at the seminar, Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) chair Kip Meek said that the public has an important role to play in the future makeup of broadband in the UK.

Communications Minister Lord Carter will soon unveil his preliminary Digital Britain report which is expected to feature far-reaching broadband recommendations. The report will examine a range of issues affecting broadband users in the UK, such as "promoting content standards" and ensuring safety and security. Alongside broadband development, Lord Carter's team have also studied issues related to public service broadcasting and digital radio.

US telecoms giant Verizon has launched a new VoIP hub phone which offers advanced functionality for consumers. The Verizon Hub features a touch-screen display alongside the ability to receive text messages and use web-based widgets. By connecting to a broadband service and paying a monthly fee, users can get unlimited free calls and video messages.