When we discuss about technological revolution, mobile VoIP can be a hot topic to discuss. It is an issue about business or a debate on its usage or implementation.
What does VoIP mean? Do you know?
You may have heard this term “VoIP” several times. The term is a short form of “Voice over Internet Protocol”. It is also coined as Voice over IP phone.
Before starting the main article, let me give you an easy definition of VoIP. It is actually a computer phone that enables you to make phone calls from computer to anyone, no matter where the person lives in the world. By using VoIP, you can call from PC to PC, PC to Phones (both landlines and mobile phones).
Two types of communication are generally supported by VoIP technologies. Cordless/DECT/PCS protocols for short ranged area or campus communications where all base stations are linked into the same LAN. For, wider area communications, 3G/4G protocols are being used.
How does mobile VoIP work?
There are several technologies or methods by which a mobile handset can be integrated into a VoIP network.
For example – One technology turns the mobile device into a SIP (session initiation protocol) client. It then uses a data network to send and receive SIP messaging (for message system). For voice path it uses data network to send and receive RTP or Real-Time Transport Protocol.
The technology mentioned above that is turning a mobile handset into a standard SIP client needs that the mobile handset support IP communications at least with the possible minimum capability. In this application or technology, SIP can be used over any broadband IP-capable wireless network connection such as EVDO rev A, 3G, Wi-Fi or WiMAX.
In another technology, a soft-switch like gateway is used to bridge SIP and RTP into the mobile network’s SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) infrastructure. Here, it can be controlled by a SIP application server which can provide advanced SIP-based services to it.
However, during a communication exchange, the voice signal is converted to data packets and travels across the internet through a VoIP platform. It then converts back to voice at the receiving end.
How have mobile VoIP brought a tech-revolution?
1) At first, VoIP technology was confined in landlines and PC only. But now, the technology is also supported by mobile handset. What Kind of Features Does a VoIP Phone Have? You can use this phone for usual audio based call but it has also three-way calling facilities or features, text messaging, and contacts list. Some VoIP services have webcam capabilities too. With this, there is usually a button for indicating to others when you are available, unavailable, away, or offline.
2) With VoIP mobile phone, you can talk to anyone from anywhere of the world at a very flat monthly/ daily internet rate.
3) It can save or reduce 80% of your call bills. Proven!
Mobile VoIP business – revolution that can change the future
May be you often hear or read such headlines- “VoIP services astonishing growth”, “tremendous success of internet telephony” etc. All these headlines are true but today I want to present you some statistics so that it can help you give a better understanding of those headlines. Please note that, sometimes figures given based on these statistics may differ considerably as VoIP has different aspects. But one fact is clear and obvious. VoIP market is growing faster and faster all over the world in terms of subscribers, revenues and traffic.
Let’s back in 2008. The global VoIP services market grew 33% in 2008 to $30.8 billion (according to some experts). The IP-network services were growing throughout the year. Traditional phone companies stood against VoIP because they were afraid of losing revenue. However, VoIP business was growing continuously. The industry success is influenced by the US Federal Communication Commission decision not to control or limit voice traffic over the Net, and also the low price of these services.
In another report, a research center mentioned that US house owners were replacing their landlines with VoIP and it was increasing day by day. In the 2007 and 2008 the share of home or traditional telephone market decreased from 90% to 74% and the industry saw a further 23% drop over the next five years.
In Europe, the scenario is same. Approximately, a quarter of households have replaced their landline telephone subscriptions with mobile phones and VOIP. The percentages in Finland (61%), Portugal (48%), and eastern Europe (39%) are the proofs of mobile VoIP revolution.
VoIP is becoming more and more popular in other European countries too. The number of VOIP-users is notably high in Latvia (58%), Lithuania (51%), the Czech Republic (50%), Poland (49%), and Bulgaria (46%).
When we talk about VoIP business, its service providers are also an important topic to discuss. Many companies deploy VoIP service providers not only for cost management but also to provide an exceptional customer experiences for their clients. This means that providing an exceptional customer experience every time is very important to boost the perception and future prosperity of any business. That is where VoIP excels.
Although many mobile operators have resisted the use of mobile VoIP services, experts believe such a stance will not last long and in the upcoming years VoIP will be widespread on mobile phones.
In this circumstance, mobile operators should move forward with current trends and position cellular VoIP as a premium service, emphasizing quality of service and a range of value added features in order to resist the erosion of voice prices.
In conclusion, we can say that everyone need mobile VoIP in their everyday life. So VoIP service providers must provide quality services to keep their business on the right track.
Long live mobile VoIP revolution!