Realizing that the cable and DSL providers really aren’t their friends, Vonage have begun making inroads in alternative IP network delivery, striking a deal with Towerstream.
This is very necessary move for Vonage and may really be the first deal that they have made over the past year that demonstrates forward thinking, clear cut vision and the possibility to be more than just a telephone line replacement based on price.
Here’s why.
1. WiMax will be here. It’s not an if. It’s a when.
2. The telcos will get into the WiMax business (see Bell South test in Athens, GA) and that means they plan on offering phone service too, someday. Others, like Vonage will be there first.
3. AT&T CallVantage already demonstrated this @ Spring VON with Intel as a proof point for VoWiMAX.
4. There are places where cellular service isn’t working. WiMax can overcome those hurdles.
5. The idea of the cellular to WiFi handoff is in place. The same will also happen for WiMax to Cellular to WiFi. Players like Bridgeport Networks and Verisign will be significant players to enable this.
Om sees challenges ahead which I agree are there, but Vonage is seeking with TowerStream to be a first mover.