Mobile VoIP has been a persistent issue for the telecoms industry throughout 2009. The rise of smartphones with downloadable, easy-to-use VoIP applications has prompted a range of responses from industry players: there was an ongoing argument over access to the Google Voice application from the iPhone, with both Apple and AT&T coming in for criticism; a number of European MNOs took measures to prevent their subscribers from accessing VoIP services; and several regulators have spoken out strongly in favour of net-neutrality legislation for mobile networks.
This paper examines the issue of mobile VoIP from the perspective of MNOs. It first explains what is usually understood as mobile VoIP services and why mobile operators would want to block them. It then investigates why some operators have chosen to allow VoIP services and under what conditions. It concludes by discussing the outlook for mobile VoIP and what impact it will have on operators’ businesses.