By Sharla Sikes

The United Kingdom’s Office of Communications reports that VoIP is slow to gain popularity with the public and is being used mainly by a “niche following.”

Ofcom says only 17 percent of users with broadband access have tried VoIP service, and 14 percent still use it. Most users stick with a combination of tried-and-true mobile and landline phones.

Most current VoIP users rate their service highly and use it frequently.

Even those with VoIP still have one or both mobile and landline services, as well. Ofcom reports that 2.4 million households—9 percent—have used a VoIP service, compared to 27 percent of households in France and the Netherlands.

Industry analysts say the changeover might be coming for UK customers. As more grow accustomed to the service, VoIP may eventually “kill off” landline services.

But why hasn’t it? Some blame other regional influences; Kerry Ritz, the chief executive of Vonage, points to the approval of “naked DSL” as one thing that would increase VoIP use. Naked DSL would allow customers to purchase broadband service without also paying for a phone line.

Competition between traditional phone providers may also be squeezing out VoIP providers, and finally stories of poor service and unreliability or just plain tech-phobia have scared some customers from dipping their toes in the water of new technology.

On the other hand, VoIP seems to be more of a win-win for business clients.

Forrester Research said of 516 North American and European companies polled, 35 percent expect to switch to VoIP in the next year, and nine out of ten businesses plan to switch in five years. Twenty-three percent have already switched, compared to 14 percent a year ago. And 54 percent plan to upgrade IP phone equipment and services.

Demand for VoIP will “continue to evolve beyond basic telephony upgrades as enterprises demand increased flexibility and mobile solutions for their workers,” according to the report.

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