More people are making Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls. Lower costs, advanced features and improved mobility are just some of the reasons for the increase.
A recent study from the prominent Pew (News - Alert) Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project shows that as of December 2012, some 30 percent of Internet users made online phone calls. That is a 24-percent jump from the number seen in May 2011.
This compares to 2000, when about half of U.S. adults used the Internet, and only about a tenth of those adults made phone calls using the Internet. As of late last year, more than 80 percent of Americans were Internet users.
The Pew study also found younger Americans and those who had higher incomes were more likely to make online phone calls.
The study found that 42 percent of those with college or graduate school degrees made online phone calls. Also, 37 percent of those people living in households, which earned $75,000 or more a year, made online calls. In addition, some 40 percent of those ages 18-29 made online phone calls. The study looked at habits between Nov. 14 and Dec. 9, 2012. The study results were published Aug. 1.
In looking at the study, it was argued in a blog post there are many reasons why users are switching to VoIP. Lower price is a key reason, as are more features and increased mobility, according to GetVoip.com. In addition, VoIP lets users employ such technology as ATM, Ethernet and SONET. It can also be used over Wi-Fi networks. In addition, network developers will find it is easier to add different applications for data communications.
“It is inevitable that VoIP will eventually replace traditional phone service – in fact, phone companies are already taking advantage of VoIP technologies to offer cheaper long distance rates,” GetVoip.com reported. “While VoIP continues to grow, so do the service’s advantages.”