MVNOs could spur mobile VoIP growth

iLocus conducted a survey of MVNOs to find out which ones were mulling mobile VoIP options. For those unfamiliar, VoIP — voice over Internet protocol — allows you to make voice calls over an Internet connection. While Skype is one of the most recognizable names in VoIP, many major cable companies, including Cablevision, Comcast, and Verizon, offer voice services which are a beefed up VoIP. So it turns out that nearly a quarter of MVNOs are offering or trialling mobile VoIP services, and over two thirds plan to have the service in place by 2010.

While the linked Cellular News article doesn’t mention it, this appears to be worldwide MVNOs. I’m not sure any U.S. MVNOs have mobile VoIP services.

If this does come to fruition, don’t expect to get free calling if you’re going client to client (like voice chatting on Skype):

Among the issues touched upon by the survey, the network architecture supporting mobile VoIP is of prime importance to MVNOs. The choice is clearly bridged mobile VoIP option that does not necessarily require a data plan. 48% of the MVNOs prefer this option. Mobile VoIP over data connections can imply free calls if the communication is client-to-client. Most MVNOs seem to resist the idea.

For a longer look, you can check out this article on mobile VoIP, written by yours truly. The idea is that while it might not mean free calling, it will mean a more efficient network, which should bring down operating costs for carriers. The hope is that they will pass the buck to the consumer.

The survey says we should expect 2.4 million mobile VoIP users by year’s end, up from 450,000 currently. About 1.6 million of those are expected to be on MVNOs.

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