The latest VoIP forecast predicts the number of subscribers worldwide will explode from 2.8 million last year to 97 million in 2009.

Research and Markets, maker of that prediction, said residential VoIP "will emerge as one of the most disruptive services in the telecom industry during the decade."

The research firm noted that the U.S. market is best positioned for VoIP growth due to the high availability of broadband access and consumer willingness to try new technologies if they will lower telephony service costs.