Pioneers of VoIP services like Skype and Vonage were able to capture over 75% of the VoIP subscriber market in their initial years. Purchasing pattern across the world was consistently reflecting the same market share. However, over recent years, major internet service providers, primarily the Cable Companies, caught on and have developed and offered VoIP services to their Internet and Cable customers and the pendulum has swung the other way by 2008. VoIP customers are no longer tied to their computer, as Cable Internet providers are now offering hardware and technology that allows the regular house phone to work on VoIP networks.

 

Global VoIP Subscriber Growth

 

The number of customers opting to subscribe for VoIP service is on a tremendous growth curve. In 2005, there were about 25 million global customers who purchased subscriptions. By 2006, total subscriptions increased to 47 million. The International Telecom Union estimates, based on the current purchasing patterns shown in the chart below, indicate that the total subscribers will approach 250 million by 2011.

 

 

Global VoIP Market Growth

 

The International Telecom Union also provided an overview of the global breakdown of subscribers by country. According to their 2005 report, Japan makes up an impressive 60% of the worldwide subscriber market. European countries also came in strong, where there were an estimated 1.5 million subscribers in France, and over 1.8 million in the United Kingdom. This breakdown is reflected in the pie chart below.

 

 

Purchasing Patterns of the VoIP Industry

 

VoIP market growth is comprehensive and promising. This reflected in industry growth and spending habits, purchasing trends, seasonal buying habits, cross promotion, media, articles, books & guides, software, voip resource websites, industry news, products and services and affiliate programs.

There are also specific niche markets in VoIP industry. These niches are enjoying the same exponential grow which is reflected by niche statistics, demographics and target audiences, tools and resources and niche research.