The BT figures reveal that Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) usage among small and medium-sized businesses is currently around 25%. That figure is set to almost double over the the next year to 48%.

The research showed that small businesses are leading the take-up of VoIP, with 57% of firms with between two and ten employees, and 48% of sole traders, planning to use the technology within the next 12 months.

VoIP's popularity has been attributed to its lower costs and the flexibility it lends to the workplace.