The current "frenzy" over VoIP seems to focused mostly on BroadBand phones and their predicted replacement of landline phone calls as we know it. But that's just obvious action on surface.
VoIP technology is & can be much more than that. And company R&D is gearing up in unprecedented ways to prepare for that surprising leap in expectation.
Notice I said expectation.
Seems old business model in Telco was that whatever companies came up with is what consumer would take.
The companies drove market & what was in it...including any technology "advancements" and their application, distribution, etc.
Remember.....we had dial-up internet....then DSL, cable, & satellite access. Now WiFi & soon reliable WiMax deployment.
We had high cpm PSTN / POTS residential phone calls....then we had bundled local/LD.... then flat rate LD. Now Broadband phone (VoIP).
We had bulky analog cell phones then digital/PCS, text messaging, and now sleek video cellular.
But that is old world thinking.
The reason is 2 fold....
First....VoIP technology (note I didn't say VoIP "phone") stands to afford unprecedented advancements and capabilities yet to be seen. The potential is boggling.