Broadband News

Vodafone and Sky News claim VoIP is unsafe

(10-06-07) - Vodafone is telling customers that VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is insecure, according to a report published by The Register. (Click here for more information on making Internet Phone Calls / Internet Phone Call Packages

VoIP is a system whereby broadband users can make phone calls through their internet connection. This means they often don’t have to pay call charges, but must pay for their broadband and some hardware.

An email has been sent to some Vodafone VoIP customers explaining that it is an unsafe and expensive method of communication. Sky News is also claiming that VoIP hinders any anti-terrorist effort as calls cannot be traced.

Joey Jones, Political Correspondent for Sky, said: "police and intelligence agencies are putting huge investment into trying to crack these sorts of communications, but the challenge is formidable".

Every telecommunications company in the UK (including VoIP providers) is required to comply with the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The Register claims that the suspected terrorist threat is unfounded, as terrorists would normally use more sophisticated encryption methods.

Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager for www.broadbandchoices.co.uk, commented: “Reliability and quality have always been an issue with VoIP calls, but these are improving all the time. Customers should not be put off saving money by making internet phone calls.”