Thomson planning to launch cordless phones with VoIP features
VoIP services are aiming for simplicity, cost benefits and mobility. Thomson, the U.S. branch of France’s Thomson SA which makes phones under the GE brand, is planning to launch next year cordless phones that include Voice-over-IP features.
The cordless handsets will embed the adapter technology needed to make phone calls over the Internet. The new devices will work with SunRocket’s VoIP service.
At the Broadband World Forum Europe, Thomson became the latest passenger on the convergence wagon by offering a new product that combines VoIP and IPTV. The company is also adding high definition sound to its home gateway products (BT is a gateway customer of Thomson’s). The new gateway will enhance services like Internet Radio and will cost up to €70 per box.
Vonage has been offering similar phones from VTech and Uniden for more than a year. This year also witnesses the launch of a Wi-Fi phone from Netgear by Skype. VoIP is really attracting the mainstream market with its added features.
The revenue from North American residential VoIP services is expected to reach $13.2 billion in 2012, up from last year’s $1.22 billion, according to Frost & Sullivan.
“The residential VoIP market is moving to mass-market consumers who are not interested in technology and novelty; they are looking at VoIP services based on convenience, control, and cost,” agreed Frost & Sullivan senior analyst Lynda Starr in a statement.