ORR Technology, LLC

Killer App 2.0 for mobile broadband? VoIP.

Performing a task efficiently or enabling new functionality is fundamental to emerging communications technology. Compelling applications are driving the adoption of mobile technology as they have for desktop computing. An application determined to be core to the success of a service or hardware platform is commonly referred to as a “killer app”. For cell phones, the killer application has been a high-quality voice phone service without restriction to location. The first attraction to mobile broadband was open Internet access becoming available anytime and anywhere. That was Mobile Broadband Killer App 1.0. As adoption of mobile broadband continues to rise, what applications will lead to continued growth?

VoIP use on a mobile broadband device is both an opportunity and a concern for the global telecommunications market. Proponents are looking for ways to lower customer costs associated with voice and data services. VoIP operates as an application over an Internet-connected device. Opponents fear a competitive service that impacts their core revenues from voice minutes. Newer mobile operators, such as Hutchison 3G UK (known as “3″), that don’t have the legacy cell phone baggage of their competitors saw the opportunity to deliver voice using VoIP. The operator offers mobile phones that use the Skype voice application over a 3G connection.

The full story about identifying the next killer app for mobile broadband can be found at WiMax.com