Can talk get any cheaper?

(From New Straits Times (Malaysia))

Byline: Lim Yeh Ern

THE Internet protocol (IP) telephony market in Malaysia looks healthy. According to research firm IDC, the local market was worth RM645.9 million in 2005 and rebounded marginally last year with a growth of 20.6 per cent to an estimated RM780 million. The industry is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 18 per cent for the 2005-2010 period.

Just what is it that makes IP telephony, or voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), tick? In its simplest form, VoIP is a cheap and convenient way to call home while overseas simply by purchasing one of those "chat-chat cards" for as little …