Skype makes gains on International phone traffic

Posted 27.10.2009

Recently released data shows that international phone traffic growth is slowing with Skype mopping up the majority of landline callers jumping ship. Records show that international phone traffic has slowed from a compounded annual rate of 15% over the last 25 years to just 8% over the last two years.

According to TeleGeography analyst Stephan Beckert, Skype’s on-net international traffic (between two Skype users) grew by 51% in 2008 and estimates indicate that could grow to 63% in 2009 equating to 54 billion minutes. "The volume of traffic routed via Skype is tremendous. Skype is now the largest provider of cross border communications in the world, by far." said Beckert.

International carriers will see increasing challenges in the fight against alternatives to traditional telephone calls. The introduction of Skype for mobile devices and Google’s slow, but sure move in to the voice market will put additional pressure on carriers to come up with innovative ways of competing.

To find out more and to download a copy of the executive summary, please visit http://www.telegeography.com/products/tg/index.php.