A new voice over internet protocol (VoIP) marketing report has claimed that vendors should be selective when considering the bandwidth promised by fourth generation (4G) networks.

The market research company Maravedis claimed that vendor selection of networks is key because only some 4G providers implement provisions for voice traffic over their networks.

According to ZD Net Asia, the co-author of the report Basharat Ashai therefore claimed: "Best practices for network architecture and provisioning are lacking."

He accused certain next-generation technologies of doing little to ensure adequate and consistent wireless solutions for VoIP vendors, claiming that WiMax in particular is guilty of this.

"There are no real guidelines for packet classification or the application of a grade of service to VoIP packets, meaning that carriers can find themselves on their own as they try to build their VoIP wireless network," the report said.

Despite this, the study claimed that WiMax boasts the biggest share of the world's VoIP subscriber pool, of which Europe represents 35 per cent.

Meanwhile, a new set of guidelines aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses understand how to get the best out of VoIP has been launched by Conjungo.