Since the introduction and rapid technological advances in Voice over internet protocol (VoIP), communication utilizing VoIP services has become cheaper and much faster for individuals and businesses alike. Nearly all businesses have switched to VoIP services or are seriously considering it. With VoIP, phone calls are over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This method of voice calling can be accomplished via a desktop app, VoIP phone, or mobile app. Typically, mobile voice apps are used on smartphones or tablets.
According to Statista.com in 2022, the number of smartphone subscriptions surpassed 6 billion worldwide. This is forecasted to grow by several hundred million in the next few years. What does this mean? The global industry of VoIP which has seen exponential growth in recent years is an industry that will continue to forge ahead and see new heights in popularity. The Covid-19 pandemic catapulted the demand for smartphone usage and the necessity for mobile voice apps. Not just for individuals, but businesses alike. In a moment, we’ll look at what to watch out for in the not-so-distant future in mobile voice app trends.
High Demand for Mobile Voice Apps
During the beginning months of the Covid-19 pandemic, small businesses to large corporations sent their employees to work remotely. For many, this was a new reality and there was some scrambling. Often employees were asked by their employers to use their own mobile devices to communicate, typically with mobile voice apps. The bring your own device (BYOD) culture began. This explains a huge uptick in the growth of VoIP and voice mobile apps for the past 2 years especially. Mobile phones became a communication tool for work instead of older hard-wired phone systems.
Fun Fact—There’s an entire country ditching their PSTN
Forget about companies leaving older phone systems. How about entire countries? Did you know that the United Kingdom (UK) has announced that their public switched telephone network (PSTN) will officially turn off in 2025? Older landline phone systems are connected to a PSTN.
Basically, all landlines in the UK will be turned off as they will be considered obsolete. Crazy, right? It seems so, but that’s the way the tech world is moving—wireless and mobile. Got VoIP yet?
As expected over the past few years, VoIP services continue to gain popularity. Not just because the pandemic necessitated its use, but because of the major advantages many industries are benefiting from. However, the most important one is exactly what VoIP provides—mobility! This is through mobile voice apps. VoIP solutions can provide on-premises VoIP systems with corresponding mobile voice apps for businesses so that employees are able to utilize the same interface whether they are in the office or on the go.
Advantages of VoIP Solutions and Mobile Voice Apps
- Significant cost savings
- Ease of installation
- Little to no long-term commitments
- Scalability
- Remote working capable
- Simple features
Great strides in technological advances are brewing for voice mobile apps and VoIP services in general. Here are a few trends to look out for in the near future.
MOBILE VOICE APP TRENDS
5G Network Usage Will Increase
5G is the 5th generation mobile network that enhances mobile broadband—Simply put, 5G makes the internet on our mobile devices even faster than ever before. 5G networks are built to produce faster data communication, specifically upload, and download speeds. One of the downsides of using VoIP is that the quality of mobile calls is determined by the speed of the network. 4G networks can have limited connectivity and lower connection speeds, which can lead to poorer quality of calls. Luckily, 5G networks are already seeing increased usage. And the future of voice mobile apps looks bright as the usage of 5G networks is expected to increase.
According to Statista.com, the number of 5G mobile subscriptions worldwide is forecast to exceed 4.39 billion by 2027. This more widespread trend not only increases data speeds, reliability, and performance but also lowers latency. In fact, 5G technology is believed to provide ultra-low latency. Increased usage of 5G networks will boost not only the VoIP industry but will positively influence virtually any industry from agriculture to healthcare, and beyond.
AI-integrated Technology Will Expand
Speaking of 5G networks reducing latency, artificial intelligence (AI) also does just that when integrated into VoIP platforms and their mobile voice app interfaces. AI further reduces latency to provide even higher quality audio and video calls. AI-integrated VoIP platforms produce many benefits, especially in call centers. AI combined with machine learning techniques helps to manage call traffic, route calls, and improve productivity and customer service. This technology benefits a number of industries. Specific to mobile apps, AI integration for language translation has and will continue to be an increasing trend. Mobile apps that are integrated with AI are breaking language barriers like never before. This is due to speech-to-speech translation, which allows individuals and businesses to communicate on a global scale.
To start experiencing the benefits of VoIP integrated with AI, contact us at VoIP First Media now to get started today.
