Last time we talked about mobile video calling, we quoted numbers from In-Stat. Today we have the figures from Juniper Research, which report titled “Mobile Voice & Video Calling: Strategic Opportunities & Business Models 2011-2016” has been released recently, predicting the improved prospects of mobile video calling. Among the reasons for this rise in use, Juniper quotes the launch of mobile video calling services by major industry players, increased availability of front-facing cameras on smartphones and underlying technology improvements.

Meanwhile, mobile VoIP (mVoIP) usage is also on the rise due to simplicity of the app downloads. However, the research company also said that the role that voice plays within the broader mobile communications market will change as it becomes available within other applications such as gaming and social networking. Alliances between Facebook and several mVoIP service providers, and the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft are expected to accelerate this trend.

Some other findings from the report include:

Mobile VoIP and mobile video calling services will develop significantly faster in developed markets.

Revenues from the circuit switched voice market will continue to diminish over the next five years, although this is not expected to accelerate.

Many basic mobile video calling services are offered for free by players wishing to kick-start the market.

And you can get additional details from Juniper’s website.