VoIP Applications

According to recent polls, more people with cell phones have smartphones than regular cell phones. This means that the app market just became as monolithic as the Sahara. Mobile application development is one of the fastest growing areas in IT. Enter VoIP systems, and now we have a perfect match. Many people are using internet phone services more so than their cell phone providers airtime minutes. To understand the impact VoIP is having on the mobile industry, it’s important to recognize what’s driving VoIP’s popularity among smartphone users. According to Stephen Sale, lead analyst for Analysys Mason’s voice and messaging research program and co-author of the study, the answer is two-fold: “alternative user communities built around mobile applications and price.” For some, Sale says VoIP allows them to bypass costly international calls and roaming charges in order to connect with a particular network of contacts. Others, according to Sale, “still see the need to seek out cheaper alternatives to operator-provided communication services.” Regardless of the reason why smartphone users are selecting VoIP, Sale says the “smartphone revolution” has only just begun. For starters, he says smartphone penetration is increasing at a rapid rate, creating huge opportunities for VoIP providers to increase their market share of voice communications. “At the same time,” says Sale, “most mobile operators have done little to counter the trend.”