Tesco looks to VoIP to push fixed line growth

UK retailer Tesco is to launch VoIP services in a bid to kick-start stagnating growth in its fixed line business. Tesco launched telecoms services in 2003, but whilst its MVNO offering Tesco Mobile has witnessed steady expansion, with more than a million users so far, take up of its Home Phone business has stalled at an estimated 200,000 subscribers. The company insists that the new VoIP offering, to be sold at Tesco’s 350 stores nationwide, is not a replacement for Home Phone, and is instead a complimentary service.