Wireless Connectivity

With VOIP so prevalent and on nearly every device, from phones to desktop and tablet computers, not to mention our very homes, why has it not completely taken over? As simple as it sounds telecommunication companies do not want to be in the business of wholesale bits. In other words, the Internet connection that consumers pay for is not considered a service itself but a conduit to other more premium features such TV packages, movie packages, telephone, DVR service...the list goes on.

VOIP has become wildly popular, even with its faults, consumers realize it’s a cheap and nearly free voice communications. Even if telecommunications companies suddenly deployed VOIP or allowed data only contracts, VOIP apps such as Vox or Skype have limitations that make them unusable as a standalone communications platform.

First, like many services in the early days of the Internet, they are stove piped. So, a Skype (News - Alert) user cannot necessarily call a Fring user. The openness of VOIP and the ability it offers is not completely endorsed by all. Each service would have to embrace standards that would allow the apps to communicate with one another. 

Another serious complication is location tracking for 911 services. Currently, even home base VOIP have to perform work arounds in order to gain an address for a 911 call from a VOIP phone. If the user was mobile it would be close to impossible. Even now it is very difficult to track individuals on the Internet without going to great lengths. A moderately savvy user can hide their identity easily with a few basic precautions, and while a determined law enforcement agency could eventually identify a user, there is no time when it comes to emergency calls.

Technology is a great disruptive force in society. Consumers want the capability offered by low cost VOIP services. The possibilities are there, and it only takes a singular innovation to bring it all together. The only question is, when it will happen?