where voip is going

The Future of VoIP: Where Is It Headed?

Thanks to the emergence of new service providers and a number of innovative advancements, VoIP technologies have come a long way from their humble beginnings. What’s more, the technology is continuing to grow and evolve. It has become such an integral part of how businesses communicate, and it’s even being praised for its cost-saving benefits. 

We’ve now reached a threshold where experts agree that wholesale VoIP termination will ultimately replace Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN). 

So, the question really is…when? 

Let’s delve into the history of telecommunications and where the industry is heading so you can be ahead of the curve.  

 

A Brief History of Telecommunications

Before electronic communication became ingrained in our everyday lives, we had to leverage other means to send messages from a distance, like smoke signals, Morse code, drums, and pigeons. 

However, in 1876, electrical telecommunication systems were born and have continued to shape how our society communicates ever since its inception. When Alexander Graham Bell made the first electric telephone call, it had an incredible impact on so many lives over 140 years later. 

That was only the beginning of telecommunication inventions. As we moved into the 1900s, more and more advancements cropped up, including:

  • Telephone
  • Broadcasting
  • Cable
  • Computer
  • Satellites
  • Cellphones
  • Electronic Ink and Paper
  • Internet
  • Ethernet 

Once the telephone was introduced, a slew of electrical developments transpired, including VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. This is simply the delivery of voice communications over the Internet. Think Skype, WhatsApp, and much more. 

 

Where We’re Headed: The Future of VoIP

The Migration to 5G

By 2020, all VoIP providers will have 5G technology, with some already making the migration from 4G to 5G as we speak. 5G is making waves due to its faster connectivity, low latency, enhanced quality, and ability to connect with a wide spectrum of devices. 

With the technology’s capacity to boost overall business productivity, 5G will be an invaluable asset for businesses, allowing them to attract customers and create an enriched user experience like never before.  

Increased Mobility

As we begin transitioning to mobile computing in nearly every facet of our personal and professional lives, there will be pressure on providers and their networks to adequately prepare for a drastic increase in VoIP mobility services. 

Many companies are interested in partnering with single-service providers to take care of their IT infrastructure, including hosting via VoIP. 

voip technologyCloud Computing

Cloud computing will become an increasingly valuable asset in the IT industry. While some companies have already adopted this technology, the real value will come when all VoIP providers will use cloud computing as a means for information and data storage. 

Forecasters predict that the majority of businesses will transition from on-premise PBX to the cloud over the next couple of years. This will provide HD audio quality, optimal scalability, and a unified system of communication – without location restrictions – across an entire organization. 

Unified Services

VoIP providers are becoming increasingly integrated, offering interactive options to help boost the efficacy of business operations. Using VoIP solutions to unify your communication system means bringing together emails, calls, messages, and other tools that facilitate communication all within a single medium. 

By doing so:

Your company will create a more effective workflow and encourage better collaboration. 

Integration with IoT

VoIP’s connectivity capabilities cannot be ignored – especially with millions of things connected with the internet. Think about it: even now, you can use your mobile device to remotely set your thermostat through the use of the internet. As the IoT continues to expand to monumental proportions, VoIP phones will have crucial automation components available. There are nearly endless possibilities when you think of all this technology is capable of.  

Cybersecurity

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is the primary concern of both providers and companies alike. When the proper system monitoring tools and security measures are in place, cybersecurity can potentially become a manageable, less threatening part of the business. 

With such an extremely competitive marketplace, businesses can’t afford to fall behind on trends and valuable tools. VoIP is one of those trains you need to hop on before it’s too late. Companies need to be prepared for technological advancements as they arise each month, not each year. 

While the future of VoIP is not within your control, adequate preparations to your business’s VoIP foundation is essential for the future success of your company. 

 

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