Studie - Mobile operator responses to VoIP: the six steps

Verizon Wireless’ announcement that it is to offer Skype access to its mobile customers is another step in the evolving nature of mobile operator responses to VoIP. The move heralds a more positive approach to mobile VoIP that we believe all operators will ultimately have to adopt.

Executive summary

In a nutshell

Key messages

Ovum view

Mobile operator responses

The six steps

Block at all costs

Tolerate to assess the risk

Neutralize the cost differential

'Special” tariffs attempt to make operators look good without really trying

Embracing VoIP is a necessity

Lessons from the Verizon Wireless / Skype deal

What to expect: lessons from 3 UK

Compete with over-the-top VoIP

Drivers and barriers of mobile VoIP adoption

Drivers

Migration to LTE heralds the all-IP world

Scale of first mover will prompt market responses

Falling mobile voice revenues focuses operators on service innovation and costs — but at the expense of margins?

Fixed-line VoIP adoption

Smartphone penetration crucial

Domestic call pricing and available alternatives critical

High international call volumes and/or costs signify a large target audience

Mobile data plans also important

Regulatory intervention takes the initiative away from operators

Barriers

Operator resistance

Regulator resistance

Smartphone penetration

Availability of VoIP clients

Complexity of client installation and use

Interoperability

Alternatives can offer better value to the end user

Quality of service and security

Key customer segments similar to those for fixed VoIP

Smartphone users are key as they have the access device

Early adopters will dominate in mobile VoIP as in fixed

Students always like to make a saving

Ethnic segments want VoIP for international calls

Business travelers are interested in more than just cost









List of Tables

Table 1: Sample of operator treatments of VoIP in mobile broadband terms and conditions













List of Figures

Figure 1: The six steps for mobile operators responding to VoIP

Figure 2: KPN’s VoIP subscribers and market position

Figure 3: Global mobile voice revenues and outgoing minutes of use: 2007—14

Figure 4: Global mobile phone and smartphone shipments: 2008—14

Figure 5: Breakdown of 2009 UK international calling revenue estimates by access type

Figure 6: US mobile operators’ outlook on consumer VoIP on current networks

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