UK SMEs Still Shy of Broadband VoIP

Voice services player Viatel warns that over half (54%) of small businesses are staying away from VoIP because of concerns about their broadband connectivity. A study of 200 SMB’s commissioned by Viatel states that unless cost, reliability and performance issues are solved, converged services (including VoIP) are likely to remain the preserve of the enterprise.

54% of those surveyed said that they have not yet deployed VoIP. Top concerns were unreliable call quality and the high price of leased lines (viewed as the way to ensure this reliability). 95% of SMBs who have not yet adopted VoIP would like too. The survey of revealed poor call quality, when running over traditional ADSL broadband, to be the biggest issue for small businesses.

Voice is one of those services that a business needs to work, to work. Concerns about the reliability of ADSL services seems to be holding back broad adoption of VoIP, in the UK at least.