Press & PR

Voice calls over the internet (VoIP) is set to expand its influence in the telecoms sphere over the next year, according to predictions from the BBC.

The technology featured in a list compiled by the BBC News website of innovations poised to hit the big-time over the next 12 months.

Alongside web TV, ultra mobile PCs and WiMAX broadband, the BBC suggested that mobile VoIP has a bright future.

Mike Roberts of analysts Informa Media and Telecoms told the BBC that internet voice calls are a "very disruptive" influence on telecoms due to its ability to offer free or very cheap calls anywhere in the world.

However, he added that bringing the technology to mobile phones "is still at a very early stage".

Consumers looking to jump ahead of the crowd and try out cutting edge telecoms technology could find they save money on their calls with a voice plan from industry leader Vonage.

Unlimited free voice calls are available across the UK and Ireland for a flat monthly fee of £5.99 under V-Plan 1, meaning that most consumers will see significant savings on their bills.