Summary
For years, the telecom industry has eagerly awaited for the arrival of the consumer VoIP market. The benefits and deficiencies of VoIP technology have been rigorously debated. In 2005, over 6.3 million consumers selected local VoIP telephony services worldwide. Despite an impressive 62% year-over-year subscriber growth rate, few consumers have ever heard of the term "VoIP". Rather than technology, factors such as regulatory policy and broadband competition are the primary VoIP market drivers. In-Stat forecasts that by 2009, there will be 55 million VoIP subscribers worldwide, generating over US$17 billion in annual revenue.
This report examines current VoIP markets worldwide, including year-end 2005 subscribers and revenue by major carrier and region. Five-year subscriber and revenue forecasts by region are also presented. The three phases of VoIP market development are discussed in detail. These phases include: VoIP Long Distance, VoIP Primary Lines, and VoIP Applications. Multiple waves of new entrants, ranging from broadband ISPs and cable MSOs, to Google and eBay will play significant roles in the development of the VoIP-based consumer services. The report documents the challenges that ISPs, cable, mobile, and fixed-line carriers face to successfully implement strategies in a dynamic global VoIP market. | 
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