VoIP has been gaining popularity during the last few years due to the many benefits it offers. It is widely used in many countries around the world with Australia being one of the newer additions to this list. VoIP has grown enormously in Australia since 2007 due to new market entrants and changes in the business models of VoIP providers.
The biggest catalyst of VoIP growth in Australia has been the introduction of Naked DSL, a broadband service that does not require a fixed-line telephone service. With this option, VoIP service providers are able to offer type 4 VoIP that enables users to make and receive calls through PSTN. Earlier, Australian VoIP service providers were only offering on-net services, so this additional choice has captured the interest of many customers.
This growing popularity of VoIP in Australia is evident in a recent survey conducted by CHOICE.
As a part of this survey, around 4,000 people were asked about their current VoIP usage, out of which 52 percent of respondents said they used VoIP to make international calls. Calls to the U.K. and New Zealand from Australia were six times cheaper through VoIP than through telephone companies, with no compromise on quality. Also, there are no maintenance costs associated with VoIP since it is Internet-based. Further, VoIP gave them the freedom to call from any location without ever having to worry about fixed-line services.
These changes in the Australian VoIP market have benefited both individuals and businesses alike. With this service, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) save a lot of money without compromising on the quality of service offered to their customers. These companies are no longer bound by geographical restrictions. As for individuals, they can reach out to their friends and families who have moved out of Australia. It helps them to stay connected and bonded with their relatives.
Going forward, VoIP is expected to have greater penetration in Australia. With the growing mobile connectivity and the faster data speeds that come with it, mobile VoIP is becoming a more viable option across all parts of Australia.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson