Wayne State University

Socio-economic Characteristics of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Customers

In early 2002, a new technology was refined that shook the telecommunication sector. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows telecommunication companies to use the data landlines to carry voice packets and deliver them over the Internet medium as regular phone calls. This innovation reduced telecommunication costs, introduced new and improved ways of communication, and redefined the telecommunication landscape. This research will attempt to identify the characteristics of consumers who are more likely to adopt to a VoIP provider. Furthermore, VoIP is being advertised as a money saver, which indicates that consumers with lower income are more likely to adopt to such technology. Our hypothesis will test if consumers with lower incomes are more likely to adopt to VoIP, or if other characteristics come to play when making such a decision. A survey will be utilized to test our hypothesis in the Metro Detroit Area.