VoIP News: October 2009

The postal strikes instigated by thousands of Royal Mail workers could result in more businesses turning to broadband for alternative services. According to technology website IT Pro, technology could help provide services while Royal Mail is on strike, despite a lack of understanding about how information is shared online and potential data security concerns. In addition, new software such as Microsoft's Windows 7 is designed to give consumers peace of mind when it comes to web security, which could encourage more businesses to branch out while the postal service is unavailable.

A Scandinavian internet service provider (ISP) has said it can use the 450 megahertz (MHz) radio spectrum to provide wireless broadband throughout the UK. Ice. net dominates the broadband markets throughout Denmark, Sweden and Norway and offers connection speeds of around three megabits per second, reports the Telegraph.

News that the Finnish government considers broadband speeds of one megabit-per-second (Mbps) to be a 'legal right' for its citizens has prompted calls for clarity in the UK. The UK government recently pledged to deliver speeds of 2Mbps to every home by 2012 to help boost download speeds and potentially improve VoIP hardware, but there is now industry confusion over whether universal connectivity is considered a commitment or, as in Finland, an obligation, reports the BBC.

Web users deciding to take advantage of wireless broadband services should make sure they use encryption to protect their link from hackers, says an expert website. The Wi-Fi Alliance has developed a new wireless service called Wi-Fi Direct (WD), which is designed to facilitate peer-to-peer connections more easily and potentially make VoIP solutions more effective, but specialist technology website Techworld has warned increased use of Wi-Fi throws up pressing security questions.

Minimum broadband connection speeds of four megabits per second (Mbps) should be targeted for 2012, according to the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE). The government recently pledged to ensure all UK homes have a broadband connection of at least 2Mbps by 2012, but the RAE is the latest organisation to claim this baseline speed lacks ambition. Many businesses already operate software that needs faster speeds and the RAE argues baseline speeds quicker than 2Mbps will be needed if the UK is to remain competitive with the rest of the world.