VoIP (voice over internet protocol) subscriber counts have grown rapidly over the last year (approximately 4 million subscribers at the end of 2005) and according to the comparative estimates of industry observers the aggressive rate of growth is expected to continue over the next five years culminating at over 54 million subscribers lines by the end of 2010.

Leading the way to mass adoption in the consumer market are companies like 8x8 (Packet8), SunRocket, and Vonage that developed VoIP solutions early on and have been aggressively marketing in 2005. Entering into the fray are some noteworthy arrivals whose size and resources validate the hype surrounding the new technology. Bellsouth (powered by Packet8), Verizon - MCI, SBC - AT&T and Qwest Communications all major ILEC’s (independent local exchange carriers) have announced the launch of VoIP solutions. MSO’s (multiple service operators) Time Warner, Cablevision, Cox, Videotron, Charter, Comcast, and Mediacom are also bundling VoIP phone service with other service offerings.

Other 2005 VoIP announcements are internet moguls Google (Google Talk), Microsoft, EBay (Skype), AOL (TotalTalk), and Yahoo! This commitment to a strong VoIP play by the ESP’s (enhanced service providers), ILEC’s, MSO’s, ISP’s (internet service providers), and dot-coms is writing on the wall for TMONE who has been preparing to support VoIP marketing efforts since the companies launch.

Source: TMONE