A mere four per cent of UK online consumers regularly use Skype to make phone calls, new research has found.

Figures released by JupiterResearch in its report Skype and VoIP – Quantifying the Hype in the UK reveal that VoIP services are only used by 12 per cent of online consumers in the UK.

"While Skype usage is low today across the whole population, in specific groups such as youthful consumers, there is tremendous acceptance of Skype’s VoIP service," said Ian Fogg, lead author of the report and senior analyst at JupiterResearch.

"This mirrors usage of other instant messaging applications that offer VoIP. "

However, Fogg predicts that Skype’s consumer uptake will accelerate with the introduction of new telephone handsets that do not require a PC.

"Skype’s VoIP telephony is attractive to consumers because services are digital, free or very cheap, and are flexible," added Fogg.

According to JupiterReseach, unlike the situation in many other countries, Skype faces tough market conditions in the UK as almost all leading broadband ISPs have an existing telephony service to defend or are launching new VoIP telephony services.