USRobotics, a leader in network access, announced today that it will enter the $493 million Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) equipment market during the fourth quarter of 2005. Initial roll out of the first products is scheduled for October.

"VoIP is the next logical step for USRobotics," says CEO Joseph Hartnett. "Our customers are interested in a full slate of products to support their wireless and Internet-dependent lifestyles. Our VoIP line of products will allow them to optimize their investment in broadband internet connectivity, by bringing new technology into homes and businesses, designed to make Voice communications as simple and comfortable as traditional telephone calling."



With more than 17 million VoIP users according to Point Topic, VoIP products represent a rapidly growing sector of the technology market. The first VoIP product available from USRobotics will be a USB Internet phone. Designed to work with Skype and other instant message services with voice capabilities, the USB Internet phone will allow users to make free calls around the world using their PC and broadband Internet connection. Features like echo cancellation and noise reduction assure traditional telephone call quality and an LCD screen that supports Caller ID provides functionality customers are accustomed to with their cell or landline based communications.

"Revenue from North American voice over IP services was more than $1 billion in 2004, and that doesn't include the free service providers. With continual growth of this market as we move out of the early adopter phase," says Hartnett. "It is only logical that as a company, we would offer these products to our customers."

Additional VoIP products in development include a VoIP telephone adapter, a USB speaker phone, and a 4-port wireless router with two VoIP phone ports.

• Infonetics Research:
  http://www.infonetics.com/resources/purple.shtml?ms05.ngv.1q.nr.shtml
• Point Topic:
  http://www.point-topic.com/content/dslanalysis/voipana050706.htm USRobotics' USB Internet phone uses the Skype API, but is not endorsed or certified by Skype Internet Phone.