Infonetics Report Shows Speed, Complexity of Mobile VoIP Growth

A new report by Infonetics Research shows that sorting through mobile VoIP options won't be simple anytime soon, even as user numbers explode. It starts with the fact that there are two main methods of delivering VoIP to mobile devices. One is over-the-top (OTT), in which the voice calls travel over carrier-provided data networks. The other is via LTE (long-term evolution), a technology that lets carriers themselves deliver voice calls over IP links to the handset. Prominent OTT providers include Skype, fring, Line2, Nimbuzz, Rebtel, Truphone, Viber, Vopium and others. Verizon Wireless will introduce native mobile VoIP over LTE in 2012.

Both approaches have their problems. OTT providers will have trouble making money from their services. Carriers will face significant challenges getting LTE handsets and infrastructure in place. The latter requires implementation of technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity).

Even so, Infonetics expects mobile VoIP subscriber numbers to skyrocket, from 47 million in 2010 to 410 million in 2015. But for end users, corporate or otherwise, the process will introduce lots of complex issues to sort through.