Asian VoIP Usage

Revenues from the use of VoIP in Asia is projected to grow from $5.5 billion in 2004 to more than $10 billion by 2009 according to an In-Stat report. The report stated that revenue for 85.4% of VoIP traffic came from the traditional PSTNs in 2004. In-Stat also found that most VoIP calls were initiated from a PSTN terminal or full IP local loops that can carry a transmission over IP backbones.

However, the In-Stat report found that the adoption rate of local VoIP services is slow because of tighter government regulations combined with the stifling nature of powerful traditional telecoms companies. The report also made note of the number of Asian users who already utilize VoIP to make international calls. In-Stat added that there are approximately 8.7 million VoIP lines already in use within Asia.

PC-based VoIP services such as those provided by Skype are already popular in Asian countries, but face tough regulation from governments.