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Broadband TV a World of Choice
Broadband television is a means of providing TV programs via the Internet. It is possible to view live terrestrial television channels, but it is more practical to us it to see programs that have already been transmitted, so avoiding the need to set...
Find the best downloads online
Oh, we all know that we can download a load of free stuff from the Internet easily. But the best downloads are the ones that DON'T come with 'extra' features like viruses, worms, adwares, spywares, whathaveyounots. It's the truth. When you download...
Prophetic Nerds
Internet nerds are actually secret prophets who change the way our world works. Check out Skype, a type of future communication technology.
I am an Internet creative writer and journalist and yet knowledge of the technical side of computers...
What Is A VoIP Router?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP - http://www.tech-faq.com/voip.shtml) is a new way to talk on your phone through your broadband internet connection. A VoIP router is needed to help you use the same phone you have been using before your...
What Is VoIP And How Does VoIP Work
VoIP will allow users to user their broadband connection to make
phone calls over the Internet. The widespread use of VoIP has
caused a revolution in the phone industry.
With the VoIP service giving users the chance to make phone calls...
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The Future Of VOIP
VOIP's First Hurdle
With all the advantages of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), there is still 1 drawback -- it cannot give you total wireless phone communication like a cell phone. Cell phones and VOIP seem to be 2 different animals. True, you can have a wireless internet connection (including VOIP) with Wi-Fi hot spots, but they are of no use to your cell phone. Or are they?
In fact, dual mode phones are already reaching the market. A few companies (including Motorola) have introduced cell phones that can automatically switch to VOIP when they detect a WiFi hotspot. This is sure to be popular with consumers who want the reduced costs of VOIP. Yet it is likely to be grudgingly adopted by cellular phone companies, who stand to lose considerable profits.
Industry analysts, however, predict this kind of service will be widespread within the next 5 years. Cellular phone companies will have no choice but to offer plans which combine VOIP and cellular, otherwise they will lose business to companies that step in to fill the void.
And Then
The next step after cell/VOIP integration is the replacement of cell networks with wireless VOIP. A new wireless technology called WiMax is in the works: city-wide wireless networks that operate at much faster speeds than what is available today. Such a network would allow anyone in range to use a VOIP wireless phone. This technology could also be used to transmit video and audio, possibly replacing services like video rentals and radio.
WiMax is currently in the testing stage around the world. While it is a great idea, it may cause disruptions within
several industries, such as movie theatres, DVD distributors and traditional phone companies -- all of which may lose if this technology becomes common.
Fortunately, it's difficult to hold back technological innovation. New technology usually presents challenges and opportunities to existing industries. The phone companies and entertainment industries will be challenged, but could potentially thrive in the new WiMax environment if they find the proper niche. For example, faster broadband will likely make VOIP video phones a common item. There will undoubtedly be many unforeseen applications to this new technology.
Did You Say FREE?
Another future trend to watch for is the possibility of free internet telephony. After all, we do not pay for regular data transmission over the internet, so why pay VOIP service providers $15 or so per month? Voice data is the same as any other data that travels over the Internet. Some observers predict that as VOIP is more universally adopted, monthly fees for telephone service will disappear.
Of course, there would still be a charge for the basic Internet connection, but as bandwidth continues to grow, a single internet connection could be used for telephone, television, e-mail -- and surfing the net.
Soon ET can not only phone home -- it'll be a free call.
About the Author
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.voip-solutions-now.com to learn more about this subject.
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.
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