Digital communication is gradually pushing traditional services aside, according to a new study by the telecom authority RTR. Internet-based services such as Internet and video telephony, messengers and e-mails are used intensively in Austria and are therefore now competing with traditional telephony and SMS.
This is the conclusion of a representative survey among people from 2009, conducted by RTR (Dienst Telecommunications and Post) in July.
“The data shows that nearly two-thirds of all phone calls are now made over the Internet, with about half of those being video or videoconferencing,” said Klaus Steinmaurer, RTR’s general manager for the telecommunications and postal division in a press release. release.
Messenger has replaced SMS
Nine out of ten messages are now sent via instant messenger or email. “Internet-based messengers have largely replaced SMS – amazing for all age groups.” Above all, Meta’s services (WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram) dominate not only in instant messenger services, but also in telephony and video telephony.
“Competition is no longer just between network operators, but also between service providers. Some have the networks, others have the ‘useful’ apps,” says Steinmaurer. Network effects would be more important than network infrastructure. It is therefore obvious that from these points of view, “who should be regulated here and how” should be reconsidered.
With the Telecommunications Act 2021, internet-based communication services have been equated with classic communication services in some regulatory areas, according to RTR. In July 2022, the Telecommunication and Post Department of RTR-GmbH collected data on the use of these communication services through a survey of the Austrian online population aged 14 and over to monitor competition and identify the largest providers.
Source: Krone
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