The impact of VOIP on mobile phones

Mobile phones have made communicating with others simple allowing users to speak to anyone at anytime and any place. The mobile phone industry has skyrocketed raking in record profits each year. The industry started out as quite expensive but gradually, over the years, has dropped its rates and is becoming more and more affordable as more people sign up.

Something that could potentially bring the mobile phone empire crashing down is the VOIP. This stands for specifically Voice over the internet protocol. What the VOIP allows you to do is to convert your internet connection into a phone call. With the correct software your computer will function as a phone enabling you to call anyone you wish through your computer. By completely bypassing your phone company, you only pay for your internet service so your phone call is actually free.

This invention does have the long distance phone companies and mobile phone providers slightly worried. AT and T has adopted a, can’t beat them join them attitude. There looking to create VOIP calling plans so they can grab a chunk of the profits from this latest software invention. Others are not being so gracious. Some have attempted to bring in the FCC to see if the use of VOIP can be limited or even stopped completely.

The impact is varied as far as the mobile phone industry is concerned. Yes, this could impact a part of their sales. Many people may cut back on their long distance and especially international calls if there is a method of getting them for free. Long distance and international calls are some of the most expensive, bringing in some of the largest profits for mobile phone companies. However the VOIP software works your PC or laptop. These items are much larger and bulkier than a mobile phone and it’s unlikely someone is going to be able to use these exclusively for their long distance phone needs. People tend to use what is close at hand and in most cases that is their mobile phone.

Another advantage that mobile phones have over VOIP internet calls is sound quality. Many times, the sound quality is slightly questionable on the VOIP calls. There is also frequently a delay of time from when one party stops speaking to where the other party hears what has been said. This will of course improve in time but currently, mobile phones have the upper hand as far as sound quality. Most mobile phones also have speakers and volume controls that you can adjust to your liking. The VOIP internet calls do have this function but it fails in comparison to the ability of a mobile phone.

As stated before, mobile phone companies have been dropping their rates over the years. As phones become more of a common commodity the rates will continue to fall. They have also introduced perks and incentives such as free minutes. Many mobile phone users will take full advantage of this before the resort to phoning via their computer.

The mobile phone companies are not taking this news lightly. Many are looking at methods to keep their customers. Some are increasing the amount of free minutes and reducing their rates on long distance and international calls. They are also looking to improve service and increase ability.

The VOIP or voice over internet protocol will definitely have an impact on the phone companies. Both mobile and landline providers are going to have to look at rates and introduce incentives to keep their customers with them. However, the mobile phone industry is aware of the advantages it has over free internet phone calls and will surely take this into account when they review what they offer their customers.

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