Mobile VoIP users to exceed 100 million by 2012

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2010 – Juniper Research released a study today that predicts the rapid development of mobile Voice Over IP (VoIP)  services such as Skype, and finding that there is a  direct correlation between the availability of third-generation (3G) and increased use of mobile VoIP.

With the increased footprint of 3G and — soon — LTE services, users will most likely opt to place calls over their unlimited data plans rather than use their minutes, found Juniper.

The traditional minutes used market will continue to dwindle over the next five years because 3G and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) calling bypasses cell companies altogether, costing them around $5 billion in lost revenues.

The best way for cell companies to deal with this shift is to either get into the VoIP market by providing their own service, or by forming a partnerships with a current provider. Verizon and AT&T both allow users to make international calls via Skype on their mobile devices but through agreements have blocked the ability to make domestic calls.

Anthony Cox, Senior Analyst at Juniper Research states, “By 2012 we expect significant uptake of mobile VoIP in its various different flavors. By that date, mobile VoIP will be available over both 3G and W-iFi networks. We also anticipate that several more traditional operators will have joined 3UK and Verizon in the U.S. and developed relationships with mobile VoIP players such as Skype”

The study, “Mobile Voice Strategies: mVoIP Opportunities & Business Models, 2010-2015,” can be downloaded at http:: from www.juniperresearch.com.