The latest estimate from Point Topic reveals that by the end of September 2009 Voice-over-IP ( VoIP - Internet voice calling service ) subscriptions had grown by 15% in the first 3 quarters of the year to pass the 100 million milestone. The UK placed 10th in the chart with 2,950,000 (does not include softclients like Skype).


In terms of penetration though it's France that is way ahead of the pack with over 38% of all its fixed lines delivered over VoIP, accounting for a staggering 16,125,000 subscriptions. Even Germany managed 8,100,000 in comparison to the UK's seemingly meagre lot.

Conditions are starting to become common that should allow for faster growth in the next couple of years, especially when VoIP is provided for a low price in a bundle with broadband and TV. There's certainly plenty of headroom in enough markets to see adoption increase.