Cellular/WiFi Handsets:The Key For VoIP

In-Stat predicts that "dual-mode cellular/WiFi handsets will be the key driver to mass consumer adoption of VoIP. The firm forecasts that "over 66 million cellular/WiFi handsets will be in operation" by 2009.

In-Stat analyst Keith Nissen said, “Wireless high-speed broadband access, unified messaging, video, and dual-network cellular/WiFi services are making the mobile triple play a consumer market reality. The key to successfully capturing the market for these next-generation personalized services is control of the end-point device."

Key findings were:

• Worldwide, consumer VoIP subscribers using wireless IP phones will grow from 2% currently to 73% in 2009.
• Based on competition from mobile carriers without wireline operations, Europe will be the largest initial market for dual-mode smartphones.
• While mass production of dual-mode sets is not scheduled until 2007, an In-Stat market survey found that over 80% of businesses have an interest in the technology.