Americans are much more aware that they can use their Internet connection to make telephone calls than they were a year ago, but that does not mean they actually use the service, the results of a recent Ipsos-Insight survey show.
Awareness of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology “rose dramatically” to 62 per cent of U.S. Internet users from 41 per cent this time last year. This, however, has not translated into widespread adoption of the technology.
The study surveyed 1,200 Internet users.
“The industry has made progress in clearing up some areas of consumer confusion, but interest in VoIP hasn't grown,” said Lynne Bartos, senior vice-president and head of Ipsos-Insight's Cable, Media & Entertainment Practice.
“Providers haven't convinced potential users of its reliability, the cost savings, and the range of features available.”
In Canada, there are between 50,000 and 100,000 consumer VoIP subscribers, industry observers say.
Just last month, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission – as part of its effort to create more competition and lower prices in the budding market – ruled that the country's dominant phone companies will not be able to set their own prices for on-line telephone services.
