VOIP's First Hurdle
With
all the advantages of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), there is
still 1 drawback -- it cannot give you total wireless phone
communication like a cell phone. Cell phones and VOIP seem to be 2
different animals. True, you can have a wireless internet connection
(including VOIP) with Wi-Fi hot spots, but they are of no use to your
cell phone. Or are they?
In fact, dual mode phones are already
reaching the market. A few companies (including Motorola) have
introduced cell phones that can automatically switch to VOIP when they
detect a WiFi hotspot. This is sure to be popular with consumers who
want the reduced costs of VOIP. Yet it is likely to be grudgingly
adopted by cellular phone companies, who stand to lose considerable
profits.
Industry analysts, however, predict this kind of service
will be widespread within the next 5 years. Cellular phone companies
will have no choice but to offer plans which combine VOIP and cellular,
otherwise they will lose business to companies that step in to fill the
void.
And Then
The next step after cell/VOIP integration is
the replacement of cell networks with wireless VOIP. A new wireless
technology called WiMax is in the works: city-wide wireless networks
that operate at much faster speeds than what is available today. Such a
network would allow anyone in range to use a VOIP wireless phone. This
technology could also be used to transmit video and audio, possibly
replacing services like video rentals and radio.
WiMax is
currently in the testing stage around the world. While it is a great
idea, it may cause disruptions within several industries, such as movie
theatres, DVD distributors and traditional phone companies -- all of
which may lose if this technology becomes common.
Fortunately,
it's difficult to hold back technological innovation. New technology
usually presents challenges and opportunities to existing industries.
The phone companies and entertainment industries will be challenged, but
could potentially thrive in the new WiMax environment if they find the
proper niche. For example, faster broadband will likely make VOIP video
phones a common item. There will undoubtedly be many unforeseen
applications to this new technology.
Did You Say FREE?
Another
future trend to watch for is the possibility of free internet
telephony. After all, we do not pay for regular data transmission over
the internet, so why pay VOIP service providers $15 or so per month?
Voice data is the same as any other data that travels over the Internet.
Some observers predict that as VOIP is more universally adopted,
monthly fees for telephone service will disappear.
Of course,
there would still be a charge for the basic Internet connection, but as
bandwidth continues to grow, a single internet connection could be used
for telephone, television, e-mail -- and surfing the net.
Soon ET can not only phone home -- it'll be a free call.
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Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer.
Visit voip-solutions-now [http://www.voip-solutions-now.com] to learn
more about this subject.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/78494
