Fuelled in part by consumers looking to add value to their telephony service, IDC expects that the number of
Although it has been slow to develop in the
“VoIP must prove that it is more than just a cheap replacement for POTs service,” said William Stofega, senior analyst in IDC's VoIP Services Research program.
Although the market is already crowded with traditional and next generation carriers, IDC believes that even more service providers, including cable MSOs, will launch consumer VoIP products and services in 2005.
“Carriers will need to offer services that are compelling and affordable. The winners will use the flexibility of IP to design services that differentiate themselves from their competitors. However, it is important to remember that the market for VOIP services is still in the very early stages of development and carriers and equipment vendors need to plan for a marathon,” Mr. Stofega added.
Recently released results of an X-bit poll demonstrate about 25% of surveyed already using services like Skype and Vonage, while 28% feeling positive about using them. But another 60% of respondents still would prefer means of communications different from Internet telephony – landline, cellular phones, email or instant messaging.



