Boom Expected to Continue
Communications market research firm Infonetics Research reports that worldwide revenue from hosted VoIP and managed IP PBX services jumped 52 per cent to US$24 billion in 2007.
This follows a rise of 66 per cent in 2006, and is expected to grow in the strong double-digits through at least 2011.
Infonetics’ report shows that hosted VoIP services continue to outpace managed IP PBX services by far, with residential services fueling market growth.
Matthias Machowinski, directing analyst for enterprise voice and data at Infonetics Research, said that while VoIP services are being embraced by consumers worldwide, businesses have been comparatively slower in their adoption due to various roadblocks.
However, he said this was about to change.
“For example, many PBX manufacturers have already added SIP trunking interfaces to their equipment, and more recently, they’ve greatly expanded the list of certified service providers,” he said.
“That’s going to fuel the growth in SIP trunking services. These kinds of developments will boost the overall VoIP business services segment for years to come.”
Other highlights from the report:
* The number of worldwide residential/SOHO VoIP subscribers grew 60 per cent between 2006 and 2007, to over 75 million, with the largest gains in North America and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), although Asia Pacific still leads
* Asia Pacific, which had been leading the VoIP scene for a few years, is now neck and neck with EMEA and North America in 2007; EMEA will break away this year and lead the market at least through 2011
* Business customer (vs. consumer) share of worldwide hosted VoIP service revenue will increase from 26 per cent in 2007 to 41 per cent in 2011
* Comcast is North America’s largest consumer VoIP service provider, with 20 per cent subscriber market share, France Télécom leads in the EMEA region, Softbank leads in Asia Pacific, and Cableco and Vono Brazil are neck and neck in CALA
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