Awareness and interest high, take-up low

While there is a high level of awareness of and interest in VoIP services among Australian consumers, take-up is still comparatively low, according to research released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The research found that 81% of internet households were aware of VoIP but only 15% of respondents (being persons 18 years and over) and 13% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) had used a VoIP service.

The findings are included in the research report, The Australian VoIP Market, which presents the findings of research into the supply and demand of VoIP services in Australia.

Consistent with other research into the take-up and use of new communications services, VoIP usage is higher in the younger age groups and households with high income levels. VoIP users are also more likely to be on the cusp of emerging communications trends, such as substitution of mobiles for fixed services as the main form of communication.

On the supply side, the report estimates that there were 269 VoIP providers in Australia in September 2007.