News.com has an interesting story this morning about the integration of VoIP and mobile networks. This quote caught my atention:
"My executives told me they think 'IP mobility' could be a $1 billion market in three to five years," Cisco CEO John Chambers said. "I challenged them to think of it in bigger terms."
IP Mobility, linking the intelligence of the mobile endpoint with the flexibility of the VoIP architecture, will provide a strong engine for future growth and differentiation for the wirelss operators. I have long believed that the mobile operators should be the ones to integrate VoIP offerings. Forget Vonage, if Verizon Wireless offered a VoIP service (over my DSL or cable modem) that integrates with my wireless device, enabling me to synchronize my phone book (on my phone and via outlook on my desktop) I would sign up right away. And with the integration with at home VoIP with my mobile phone, I would be less likely to churn from Verizon when Cingular comes up with a better pricing plan. Now, add in further market segmentation (such as calling plans for the Indian, Chinese and Hispanic markets coupled with web-based information and native language help desks) I'm confident there will plenty of opportunities for carrier differentiation. And a lot more to get excited about in Telecom.
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