27 July 2007
The number of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) customers is set to rise from today, after regulations are set that will force providers to let callers ring 999.
Until now VoIP has proved a successful way of reducing phone bills through the option of making calls via a broadband connection.
Typically, international callers and businesses have been saving a lot of money through the services provided by companies such as Skype, but have been let down by certain snags, as callers can only call other broadband-connected VoIP users.
"Our latest findings revealed that 15% of consumers now have access to a VoIP service at home," said Steve Weller, Head of Communication Services at independent price comparison service and switching service, uSwitch.com.
"VoIP is predominantly being used as an additional service to a landline and to date the ability to make 999 calls was not guaranteed. This has been a significant stumbling block and has stunted its initial development in the consumer space."
VoIP customers will now have the opportunity to call emergency services from 2008, taking VoIP one step closer to becoming a fully comprehensive home phone provider.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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