Is Mobile VoIP Really Three Years Away?
Source: smithonvoip.com
I have to agree with Andy Abramson. I do not think Skype’s statements that mobile VoIP is still three to four years away are accurate for the market as a whole. Skype has been late to the game with their mobile offering (which I covered here) and I agree with their strategy of taking their time with their offering, but to make a wide-scoping statement like they did is a little off basis.
Many mobile VoIP providers, such as MobiVox and Truphone have been very successful to date and as consumer awareness and education as to the benefits of the technology increases over the next year or two, I see mobile VoIP offerings taking off.
While Andy states that the current environment of carrier non-cooperation is something that is currently limiting the service, I think that the lack of compatible handsets is something that is the major limiting factor for the industry right now, especially in the US, where the Nokia N and E series phones are not as prevalent. Until mobile VoIP providers start supporting more handsets or manufacturers start offering more handsets that are compatible with mobile VoIP services, the industry will still be “poised for growth.”
For some reason I do not see that staying true for long.
