VoIP diffusion among new entrants a path dependent process

Grazia Cecere
Univ. Paris XI ADIS Univ. di Torino Univ. of Sussex SPRU

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     Last modified: May 31, 2007

Abstract
This article examines the evolution of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This technology belongs to the informatics sector and to a general purpose technology (GPT) such as the Internet Protocol (IP). The application of the VoIP technology has many features that could qualify the process to entry as being path dependent. Two of the main VoIP providers are “IP network voice” and “VoIP software service”. However, incumbents are applying the technology within a past dependent pattern, reducing and delaying the benefits to their consumers. Thus, path dependency could be one of the conditions for achieving dynamic efficiency.