News | September 16, 2009

Mobile VoIP Could Transform Mobile Landscape

Mobile VoIP is moving beyond its initial function as a new mechanism to get inexpensive international calls, reports In-Stat (http://email.in-stat.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/hBT470Ro2mO0K560DHgc0Eh). While Mobile VoIP still poses a direct threat to operator voice revenue, it also represents a dynamic new capability that promises numerous applications. In-Stat projects that by 2013 Mobile VoIP applications will generate annual revenues of $32.2 billion, driven by over 278 million registered users worldwide.

One new application integrates Mobile VoIP into a unified mobile interface to social networking sites. In another new development, MVNOs and 3G operators without legacy networks are using Mobile VoIP to more cost effectively add voice to data offerings. In yet another scenario, a few carriers are using a form of Mobile VoIP, UMA, to support better indoor coverage and off-load macro networks.

"Applications such as Skype and Vonage have influenced users to think of voice as a data application," says Frank Dickson, In-Stat analyst. "The increasing penetration of Wi-Fi in mobile devices was the beach head that Mobile VoIP applications needed. As user habits are being shaped by rich on-line communication experiences, mobile carriers control over devices and data applications is waning. Mobile carrier attempts to slow the spread of on-line Mobile VoIP are proving challenging as well."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

  • Activities associated with early Mobile VoIP successes are likely to influence LTE operator voice plans in ways that potentially favor IMS.
  • While the EMEA region has more Mobile VoIP related revenue currently, Asia Pacific will be the largest regional market by 2013.
  • Dual-mode handsets will approach nearly 400 Million units shipped in 2013.
  • Revenue and users associated with Mobile VoIP will be distributed among online Mobile VoIP services, 3G-Based Mobile VoIP offerings, and WiMAX/LTE Mobile VoIP offerings.

The research, "Mobile VoIP—Transforming the Future of Wireless Voice" (#IN0904428MCM), covers the worldwide market for mobile VoIP. It includes:

  • Analysis of VoIP's impact on the mobile market.
  • Forecasts for Mobile VoIP-associated revenue by region through 2013.
  • Forecasts for Mobile VoIP users and annual usage by region through 2013.
  • Profiles of Mobile VoIP start ups: Fring, JAJAH, Nimbuzz, Vopium, Yego, and Defi Mobile.
  • Profiles of VoIP providers: Skype, Google, Vyke, and Freshtel Holdings; and MVNO/MVNES: Zer01 Communications, Truphone.
  • Profiles of WiMAX providers: Scartel, Clearwire, and KT Networks, and of mobile carriers: T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell, Rogers Wireless, and Orange.

The price is $3,495 (US).

This research is part of In-Stat's Mobile Applications & Services service, which examines the consumer demand, usage models, and business models around current and future applications for mobile devices. The service also examines the changing dynamics of the mobile software stack, including the operating systems (OS), user interfaces (UI), internet browsers, and native, remote, and hybrid applications.

About In-Stat

In-Stat's market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology and semiconductor vendors, infrastructure and device manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on partnerships with In-Stat's tenured, experienced staff and on our in-depth market intelligence to support critical business, product and technology decisions.

In-Stat is a strategic segment of the $9B Reed Elsevier global information network, with access to an expansive worldwide electronic network, extensive technology databases and well-informed personnel. As a member of Reed Business Information, In-Stat is a division of the largest business-to-business publisher in the U.S.

SOURCE: In-Stat