Social Impact of Voice over Internet Protocol on Latinos

As part of the study funded by ZeroDivide, Social Impact of Voice over Internet Protocol on Latinos, researchers examined Latino awareness and perceptions of VoIP and Internet-based phone services; Latino attitudes about and use of landline phones, cell phones, computers and the Internet; and how much Latino VoIP users pay for communication services compared to those Latinos who do not rely on VoIP options.

“Providers of VoIP services are successful in whetting Latinos’ appetites for new and cheaper telecommunication services; but to help individuals and families make the leap and adopt these services, it is going to take well orchestrated efforts to educate and familiarize them with the technology. In this quest, it is critical to form partnerships, especially at the local level, among public, private and non-profit organizations,” said Matthew D. Matsaganis, Ph.D. who authored the report.

Between 2005 and 2006 the number of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers grew 189 percent from 1.9 million to 5.5 million, proof of the increasing popularity of the Internet based telecommunications option. Although making phone calls online can be a cheap alternative to traditional phone company services, and many Latinos are familiar with VoIP service providers and think the service can offer lower telephone costs, most of the respondents of a recent study have not embraced the technology because they are unfamiliar with how it works or how it can benefit them.