Traditional telecoms providers are turning to voice over IP (VoIP) as a means of boosting flagging revenues, research has shown.


VoIP offers private individuals and business users to make voice calls over the internet, under-cutting the traditional fixed line business model.


In a bid to ensure that their revenues are not unduly squeezed by this new technology, the industry is looking to position itself as the main provider.

"No longer is VoIP being offered only by specialist providers and VoIP pioneers, but by all types of providers in all regions of the world," said Stephane Teral, principal analyst at Infonetics. "Next gen voice services have elevated from lab curiosity to market reality."

Infonetics found significant support among telcos in key markets for VoIP, as it is seen as a technology with good potential for future growth.


The research firm suggested that it would take between ten and 15 years for leading service providers to make the transition to VoIP.


In the meantime, Infonetics said, telcos in areas with high "tele-density" like North America and western Europe will let their existing equipment churn, while operators in less-developed markets will launch next-generation voice services as their primary platform.


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