Why NetZero VoIP over dialup will get few takers

Today, NetZero rolls out NetZero Voice, a new Internet phone service that offers a downloadable softphone client that will allow free PC to PC calling with other NetZero users. 

NetZero Voice comes in several flavors. NetZero Voice 100, offers 100 free PC to phone domestic calling minutes a month with a $3.95 a month plan that will kick in after a free, three-month introductory subscription period. NetZero Voice 250 offers 250 free PC to phone domestic calling minutes for $9.95 a month, also after three free subscription months.

NetZero Voice Unlimited (which I think was not posted on the NZ site at the time I originally made this post) costs $14.95 a month, offers unlimited computer-to-phone minutes in and between the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico- as well as unlimited computer-to-computer minutes.

The most interesting part of this plan, some will say, is that you won't need a broadband Internet connection to use NetZero Voice. That's because the company has developed technology that reduces the amount of bandwidth necessary to make an Internet call.

I have a hard time believing that Internet telephony over dial-up will get many takers.  Internet phone is still somewhat in the early adopter stage, but broadband "graduated" from that stage several years ago and is now a given.

My point is that if you are the type of consumer that might be interested in NetZero Voice, it's almost certain you already have broadband Internet access. That's why the uniqueness of this offering as a VoIP play for dial-up customers is very limited.