the Future for VOIP

[konhead]

Can this replace the telephone, or even the mobile phone?

[mattpark]

In my opinion. Yes. Why not?

New technology is always evolving. VoIP is already threatening the landline markets... look at BT starting to offer it. If they don’t all jump on the band wagon soon then they'll be going to the graveyards.

The mobile market is going to be harder to crack. Having said that, all it needs is a mobile technology better than GRPS to come along, and VoIP with take hold there too. There are of course "mobile" phones available at the moment that run off wireless networks.... although that doesn't count in my opinion.

[kyron]

in myopinion it is looking deidedly sketchy as all companies are offering packages with rules/knots on them this defeats the entire idea of voip

[mattpark]

One thing that i do think is a huge barrier however, is at them moment BT don't give the option for a line only package - forcing users on to option one telephone package too. No good if you only want the line for ADSL use with another provider.

I believe ofcom the UK telecomunications regular is looking this and with a bit of luck should have a resolution over the next year or so.

[kyron]

somehowi doubt it that regulator is toothless. I told tem about the bt stuff going on and they said they had no power to make bt change it's mind on commercial items


The BtBroadband Package says

Evening and Weekend - FREE when
ordered with BT Broadband
Option 4* (just £2 a month, on
Options 1,2 & 3)
Anytime calls plan from just £7
a month.

I am a sipgate customer and I do 5.90 a month for roughly 17 hous a week anytime.

[mattpark]

Kyron, its that fact the every other ADSL provider has to use the BT network for their services to run accross.

If a consumer wishes to get ADSL, they MUST have a BT line regardless. The problem is they are forced in to getting a calling plan too at the moment. Whats needed is a line only package.

[fred]

You are indeed correct mattpark. Ofcom are looking into quite a few issues with regard to voip at the moment. I downloaded a pdf file from the ofcom website titles "Regulation of Voip Services" and it makes some very interesting reading. It includes details of "naked dsl" If you wish me to send you a copy then simply send me a private message. I will try and attach the pdf file to this posting and see if it works first though. hmm I see the pdf extension is not allowed!

[mattpark]

Fred,

I've allowed pdf documents to be attached if you would upload to this thread. I think other people would find it interesting too...


Matt

[fred]

ok-here we go!

[MrMan]

Originally Posted by konhead

Can this replace the telephone, or even the mobile phone?

Well, Can VoIP replace the telephone... Depends what you mean by that... A telephone is what is used on a telephone network

But VoIP, can, and is replacing telephone networks.

BT plan to have all customers using VoIP, with their 21CN network. It will not be noticable to users of the service i belive, but they are to replace the whole network to a VoIP one, using there own network, not the internet. More info:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/02...21cn_reynolds/