Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) can be carried by a number of wireless technologies, enabling fixed operators, MVNOs and VoIP service providers to bypass existing cellular voice services according to a new report from Analysys.
With VoIP already having an impact on fixed networks, its use over wireless technologies such as 3G, WLAN, Bluetooth and broadband wireless access (BWA) could enable new players to enter the mobile voice market, so threatening the voice revenues of existing mobile network operators.
"For mobile operators that have invested heavily in 2G and 3G cellular networks there will be little incentive to offer VoIP services," says Dr Mark Heath, co-author of the report. "Their existing networks already deliver better-quality voice services at lower cost than VoIP can achieve today. However, VoIP may look more attractive to those seeking to bypass mobile operators' voice tariffs, particularly if an opportunity to undercut those tariffs using VoIP arises due to significant falls in 3G data pricing. A number of mobile operators have launched unlimited-use data tariffs that could make them vulnerable to customers using VoIP to cut their spend," says Heath.
The report also reviews the use of wireless VoIP by fixed operators trying to defend against fixed
Posted to the site on 22nd March 2005
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