Demand for dual-mode VoIP phones up, single-mode phones down – study
The demand for dual-mode VoIP phones is expected to increase by 7% over the next two years while the demand for single-mode phones will decline by 11%, according a study by Infonetics Research.
Dual-mode VoIP phones are able to switch calls seamlessly between mobile networks and VoIP PBX extensions when within the coverage of compatible wireless local area network (WLAN).
Dual-mode VoIP phones are gaining popularity because they offers convenience; users only need to carry a single handset, instead of two, and calls are cheaper when the user is a Wi-Fi coverage area.
Dual-mode VoIP phones are expected to account for 30% of mobile phones by 2009.
While obviously dual-mode technology is now widely available, there are still some issues that need to be resolved before dual-mode phone becomes a mainstream device. These include WLAN infrastructure upgrades and investments.
Phillip Redman, a Gartner analyst told Techworld: “Most enterprises are hesitant to put in voice over wireless because it means adding more access points to add capacity and coverage.” He says “Wireline is already installed and inexpensive, and it works. Unless they have a need for a high degree of mobility, they’re not looking to transfer it to wireless networks.”
Nevertheless, there are strong indicators that dual-mode phones are slowly eating up the market share of single mode cellular handsets.
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