VoIP industry trends to watch in 2024

Happy new year and welcome to 2024! The new year can mean fresh starts, but they also mean taking time to prepare for potential changes. Business is always changing, and the telecom industry is no different.

You may wonder what 2024 VoIP trends to keep an eye on. In this post, we’ll highlight some of what we’re seeing.

AI

2023 was a breakout year for artificial intelligence, and for good reason. The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 spiked interest in AI, and many major tech companies announced or released their own versions of generative AI.

The current and potential uses for AI in VoIP are nearly limitless. AI is already being used to help analyze recorded call data quickly, create more intuitive chatbots and virtual receptionists, detect and prevent spam activity, improve call quality and more. However, with questions around the regulation of AI bubbling to the surface, VoIP providers and users should tread carefully when incorporating AI. One thing is for sure, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Hybrid work models

While many people returned to the office in 2023, hybrid workplaces aren’t in any threat of extinction. In fact, many workplaces have adopted hybrid work policies, allowing employees to spend part of their week in the office and part working remotely.

Voice over IP technology is perfectly suited for this new world, as it easily allows employees to connect whether they’re in the same space or across the country. Many VoIP services, including Ooma Office, provide advanced features such as videoconferencing, chat and voice calls all over your laptop to make it easier than ever to stay connected.

Mobility and mobile apps

While it may have taken a while to get here, 5G has gone mainstream. 5G networks now cover over 325 million people in the U.S. with the number of 5G devices growing over 500 percent between 2020 and 2021, according to the Cellular Telephone Industries Association’s 2023 State of 5G report.

This means that mobility is going to be an even more important factor moving forward. As people get devices with faster 5G speeds, the potential of what they’ll be able to do on the go grows. Suddenly, attending a videoconference on your phone with 20 other people is something you can plan confidently without fear of losing your connection.

For your VoIP service, this means that a great mobile app is essential. You need to be as connected to your business on the go as you would in the office, especially if you work in an industry like real estate or construction, which requires you to head out of the office frequently.

WebRTC

In the telecom industry, WebRTC has been on the radar for a while now. Basically, it’s a set of protocols that allow web browsers and mobile devices to make phone calls and perform videoconferences. If you’ve made a call or taken a video meeting in a web browser, you can thank WebRTC for making it happen.

As the years roll on, WebRTC and VoIP have gotten more sophisticated, providing more integrations that allow you to make calls and participate in videoconferences in convenient ways. 2024 will be no different.

Sustainability in Cloud Computing

The tech industry has been moving toward green computing, whether that’s making computers from recycled parts or powering their headquarters with clean energy. In 2024, that trend is taking on cloud computing.

As Forbes reports, major cloud service providers have made net-zero commitments. Amazon, Microsoft and Google all plan to power their cloud servers with renewable energy. While it’s unlikely that they will reach this goal in 2024, the move starts now.

POTS replacement

The copper sunset is nearly here. The telltale signs are legacy copper phone lines that are poorly maintained, along with rising residential and business phone bills.

There are still millions of devices that rely on these legacy phone lines, from security phone boxes to fire alarm systems to elevator lines that are therefore becoming more expensive and annoying to maintain. One solution is a POTS replacement device, like Ooma AirDial, which subs in a highly reliable wireless connection for the traditional copper one.

Security

Data breaches became more commonplace in 2023, and it felt like every month there was another major company in the news for some security breach or leak. In 2024, expect to see companies double down on security.

While better encryption and multi-factor authentication are important, perhaps more important is a security savvy workforce. Expect to see even more frequent employee training and articles on how to avoid phishing attacks.

2024 is here

Those are the trends we’re seeing this year. You should certainly keep an eye on these topics to see how they evolve throughout 2024. And if you happen to be looking for a new phone service, Ooma Office has more than 50 business features ready to help you communicate better.