Wireless VoIP combines VoIP with Internet wireless (802.11b and successors) networks. And its potential for businesses and individuals will see huge growth over the next few years and this article will explain what wireless VoIP could do for you.

Two combinations of hardware and software make this work: laptops with wireless connections and VoIP soft phones, or handheld computers, again with wireless connections and soft phones.

The deployment of wireless VoIP looks set for huge growth over the coming years, for the following reasons:

1. Cost

The advantage of Wireless VoIP over cellular connections has driven the majority of interest in this method of communication so far.

Reduced costs for calls combined with higher-bandwidth data transfers are two obvious advantages. These however not the only reasons to adopt Wireless VoIP systems.

2. Deployment

WiFi networks cost a fraction of the deployment of traditional cell tower technology and implementation is quick as the extensive site reviews required to install traditional radio towers is not required ensuring deployment is cost effective and quick.

3. Call Quality

Wireless VoIP can also dramatically improve call quality, especially in residential areas such as office blocks; basements etc where traditional mobile network coverage is can be patchy. The advantage of having reliable wireless VoIP systems with excellent coverage are obvious, staff can be in touch in more areas more often.

4. Working practices

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages from a corporate point of view is the way wireless VoIP changes working patterns once all employees have access to wireless VoIP soft phones, laptops and hand held computers.

As the workforce moves to be more flexible and geographically spread out, VoIP employees can move from mobile networks to WiFi-based home and office networks, meaning they can be in touch wherever they are. This means companies can have employees working from a range of places including:

home, or even another country where labour costs are cheaper. The 21st century is already seeing a move to more flexible working practices in companies and wireless VoIP will be major contributor to this revolution.

5. Management

Wireless VoIP offers potential savings by allowing companies to change the way they manage their phone systems. For example, instead of having voicemail, caller ID and e-mail separately, wireless VoIP will allow customers to retrieve all of their messages in one place, alleviating the problem of having different operators for different services.

Employees can also download, enabling them to turn their phones into portable computers, track information, or log onto the company's internet connection.

There are obvious time and cost savings as all communications are standardized in single VoIP telephone system. This means greater flexibility, reduced billing and tracking complexity.

Fact is, wireless VoIP saves time and money leading to simpler management and greater operational efficiency.

Major Growth Expected In mobile VoIP

Of course, at the moment, wireless VoIP is in its infancy and soft phones are only available for desktops and laptops.

Once reliable, roaming-friendly networks are rolled out and WiFi enabled handset technology becomes more advanced, prices fall and connections are as easy to make as with standard cell phones, the wireless VoIP market will grow drastically in size.

Wireless VoIP is already being deployed by forward thinking companies and within ten years it is anticipated that wireless VoIP will be deployed by more and more companies attracted by the cost, flexibility and efficiency advantages.