Verizon Wireless on Friday cut the prices of its unlimited talk and text plans, so arch-rival AT&T immediately followed suit. And that benefits iPhone customers, who can now opt for an unlimited voice and data plan that costs $30 less per month.

Previously, iPhone users paid $100 per month for unlimited voice plan plus another $30 for unlimited data. Starting Monday, however, AT&T is charging $100 a month for unlimited voice and data. Family Talk plans feature unlimited voice and data for $180 (assuming two iPhones). Texting prices remain unchanged, at $20 for unlimited plans and $30 for Family Talk Plans.

An AT&T spokesman told me Friday afternoon that the pricing changes only affect unlimited voice and data plans. If I understand him correctly, that makes the Nation 1350 with Rollover Minutes especially unattractive come Monday. That plan costs $80 a month, plus the $30 data plan—in other words, $10 more than what iPhone users will be paying for unlimited voice and data starting next week. (You can read the full details of AT&T’s new prices, including pricing for feature phones and quick message devices, at the wireless provider’s Website.)

Want to switch over to the new unlimited voice and data plan? You can make the move on Monday without penalty or contract extension using AT&T’s online account management tool.

The major negative of starting a VoIP business now is the saturation of the market, although there are still gaps in the market that have not been fully explored. There is a lot of competition meaning if you want to be a significant player you need to offer an excellent services. There are, however, many advantages of moving into the market at this time.

Unlike the pioneers of VoIP technology, the improving reputation of VoIP could be of use to newly formed VoIP Provider. The technology was once considered poor, and only a way of getting cheap calls. It was a case of choosing between quality (telephone) and price (VoIP). This is no longer the case to the same extent, and the technology has been steadily improving over the years. This means there are many more potential customers out there. With improved quality comes an improved reputation. Although many still think VoIP’s quality is poor, people are beginning to realise this isn’t always the case. Therefore, many are wiling to consider a switch to VoIP communication. The technology is still not perfect, but this could be looked at as an opportunity; those who can provide excellent call quality can rise above the competition.

Another major reason why now could be the right time to start a VoIP business is the global recession. Many people now feel they need a telephone of some description. With the recession, though, anything that can be provided cheaper is a plus point, as is the case with VoIP. The cost savings are something that can be an advantage for both individuals and businesses. Most businesses are currently looking to cut costs wherever they can, and this is leading to an increase in VoIP customers. It is one of the few industries that can actually benefit from such as economic downturn.

Landline telephones are less-widely used now than previously due to the popularity of mobile phones. An increasing number of people no longer have a landline and only use their mobile. This is especially the case with those who move house; the just don’t get around to having a landline installed. If they have a broadband Internet connection though, they can have VoIP installed without too much hassle. This could lead to significant cost savings compared with making all their calls on mobile phones.

There are many advantages of starting a VoIP business at present. From the recession meaning more people and business are looking for cheaper ways of operating, to the improved quality and reputation of VoIP, it is part of the telecommunications market where there is still plenty of room for growth.

business voip, voip provider, technology, phone, communication, voip phones, phone systems