Mobile VoIP clients downloaded to the smartphone will account for four fifths of 640 million mVoIP users by the end of 2016, while alliances between carriers and mVoIP specialists will remain relatively few in number. According to Juniper Research, the factors that will mostly drive the adoption of this technology are improved technology, more intuitive UIs and increased user awareness.
Meanwhile, VoIP specialists like Vivox are also broadening their horizons as they explore the potential of alliances with social media, gaming and software companies. Skype’s acquisition by Microsoft and several Facebook alliances with VoIP providers will accelerate this trend.
Some other findings from the report include:
- The number of mobile video calling users will exceed 130 million by 2016, spurred by the launch of mobile video calling by major players and technology improvements.
- Mobile VoIP and mobile video calling services will develop significantly faster in developed markets.
- There is, as yet, no clear role for advertising within the mobile VoIP and mobile video calling business model, though this is beginning to come for VoIP on the desktop.
As usual, you can get additional information from Juniper’s report.