VoIP Now

It's not a good day to be Vonage

The troubles continue for Vonage. The service has already had its share of angry customers, but the 'disastrous' IPO has made things worse, and there's no obvious end in sight.

From the New York Times:

Vonage, which has racked up hundreds of millions of dollars in losses in part because of its aggressive marketing campaign, does not want to spend more to retain angry customers, analysts said.

"Clearly they've gotten a significant amount of bad press, and for a company spending a lot of marketing to get customers, they will have to spend even more to keep customers from defecting," said Richard Greenfield, an analyst at Pali Research. "It appears that management feels that the directed stock program could backfire and result in higher churn," or customer turnover, he added.

More discussion at Mark Evans, IP Democracy, and Good Morning Silicon Valley.

Volny to provide mobile VoIP service

Volný has indicated that it will provide the VoIP services to the mobile phone users by the end of the summer. The Czech alternative operator Volný has sought the cooperation of mobile giant Nokia for the launch of its VoIP service. At present Volný is testing the Finnish vendor's E60 and E61 dual-function phones. These phones enable users to make calls over a GSM network as well as connect to the internet via Wi-Fi hotspots to make VoIP calls. Meanwhile, the telco has launched a fixed line VoIP service TelefoNet.

The alternative operators of Czech have wanted to become a mobile virtual operator (MVNO), but they failed to sign a deal with mobile network operator. These operators are GTS Novera, Radiokomunikace and Volný. Now they target mobile VoIP.

Via: [TeleGeography]

Microsoft Enters Into MoU with LG Nortel for VoIP Products

Microsoft has entered into an MoU with LG-Nortel for the purpose of collaborating on VoIP products mainly Windows CE based IP communications terminals. It has created a strategic alliance which covers joint Research and Development marketing and software licensing. It serves as an extension to the previous agreement where LG-Nortel came up with a Windows CE 5 based multimedia SIP phone and world’s first widely available videophone running Windows CE 6.

A definitive agreement is on the cards within the next few months and at which time several new WinCE 6 based IP phones would be unveiled.

Via teleclick

Pacific Internet to Offer VoIP in Thailand

Pacific Internet has become one of the first companies to provide a VoIP service in Thailand. The company has entered into a marketing agreement with calthai.net for the purpose of providing a VoIP service from next month. This service would enable customers to make cheap calls from PCs to telephones anywhere in the world. The service would be introduced in three phases.

The service would start with a softphone programme which is free software that allows users to make VoIP calls and then it would provide a ready to use VoIP hardware kit which allows users to plug a phone into a USB port on their PC.

Via nationmultimedia

Lagos to Be the Venue for African VoIP Forum

Lagos would be hosting the third annual African VoIP Forum from 31 July to 3 August. The event would be hosted by Aitec Africa and ICT magazine. The vent would be held under the Nigerian Communications Commission. This would serve as an unique opportunity for telecommunication operators, corporate users and ISPs to learn more about the exciting developments in communications.

Four specialized training workshops would be conducted as a part of the forum which includes an interactive workshop for corporate users which would provide a detailed introduction to VoIP. The second workshop to be conducted would be catering to telecom operators and ISP and would bee focusing on international VoIP links.

Via: [VoIP Central]

BT Ireland Not to Offer Residential VoIP

BT Ireland has decided not to launch a new internet based phone service to residential customers because of concerns over government delays in offering the telecom regulators more powers. The company's CEO commented that the government should give ComReg more teeth if BT wanted to offer Irish customers the services which are widely available in other markets.

BT would be happier to launch a VoIP phone service as is available in North and Britain but the current state of broadband market would make it uneconomical for them to offer VoIP for residential customers.

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Idacomm to Conduct VoIP Monitoring For Empirix

Empirix has found a new customer in Idacomm. The Boise based company has already started monitoring its VoIP network with Empirix’s Hammer XMS in its coverage area which includes Boise, Reno and Las Vegas. The financial terms of the deal were not available.

The products from Empirix help in ensuring quality of service levels in IP networks of both carriers and enterprises. The company already has more than 3,500 customers worldwide which includes companies such as Nokia etc. Idacomm provides telecommunication services and commercial and business internet services in the Middle East.

via bizjournals 

Vistula Enters Into Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement

Vistula Communications has entered into definitive stock and warrant purchase agreement with a select group of accredited institutional investors for the purpose of raising gross proceeds of $16.5 million in private placement. The transaction is expected to be closed shortly. As per the terms of financing, Vistula would be selling an aggregate of 16.5 million shares of common stock at a price of $1 per share.

The investors would also be eligible for receiving warrants for purchasing and additional 13.2 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1 per share which would expire in five years.

Via tmcnet

DecisionOne Selects Nuvio as Cerified Installer for Hosted VoIP solution

DecisionOne has been selected by Nuvio as a certified installer for its hosted VoIP solution. As per the agreement, DecisionOne would be providing installation services for Nuvio customers.

Jason Talley, CEO, Nuvio stated:

We are committed to providing innovative hosted VoIP solutions to our existing and future customers. With DecisionOne's award-winning installation services, we can confidently deliver those solutions across the nation, and to companies with multiple branch offices with a high level of service and support.

The reliability and cost effective technology support capability perfectly complements Nuvio’s expertise in building a nationwide VoIP network.

Via syscon

Jajah launches Instant VoIP Service

A new web activated telephony service, jajah.com has been introduced. The target users of this service are people who don't have the time or skills to get started with the existing VoIP services. In order to use this service one needs to type the phone number and the number that one would want to call on Jajah's web page and then click the call button and the service bridges the phones.

This service permits users to make long distance and international calls-mobile or landline to most of the numbers for less than two cents a minute. There is no registration fee or monthly fee and there is no prepayment.

Via: [VoIP Central]

Bell Canada Personal Communication Manager introduced

Bell Canada, Nortel and New Heights Software have introduced the bell Canada Personal Communication Manager system (PCM) which is a PC based soft client combo of voice, multimedia communications and messaging which has been integrated into a single interface that can be used in office or while working remotely. 

The PCM offered by Bell Canada enables laptop users to undock their machine and carry with them the same telephone and messaging service and profile which can be used at their corporate desktop. It also enables users to initiate calls and multiparty conference sessions can be conducted with just a point and click. 

Via [VoIP for SMB]

VoIP Awareness Rises in U.K. And U.S.A

As per a study, awareness of VoIP is rising in US and UK. Over a period of nine months, the percentage of British adults who said that they has heard of VoIP or had made telephone calls through and internet connection has increased from over one third to nearly half. The research was conducted by Harris Interactive. In the case of U.S. the figure shot up from 36% to 51%.

Although this change cannot be denied but there is still a number of adults who are unaware of this technology.

Via arm

Nortel Ready to Take Controlling Stake in Sylantro

Industry sources have stated that Nortel Networks is about to take a controlling stake in hosted VoIP systems specialist Sylantro Systems. The company wants to undertake an investment of about $30 million in the IP centex firm in order to gain a stronger presence in the fast growing market.

The investment would be giving Nortel a controlling stake in the company and enabling it to advance its position in the IP centrex market. It would also allow the company to scale back internal R&D on its own technology.

Via channelweb

Vistula to Provide VoIP Solutions in Mexico

Vistula Communications has been selected by Protel i-Next for providing VoIP solutions for providing VoIP solutions.  This solution would be launched in Mexico in the second half of 2006 and would be made available to Protel’s customers’ base of call centers, cable operators and small and medium sized enterprises.

Alejandro Pineda Mathus, Marketing Director, Protel said:

We will provide our customers with significant savings on their domestic and international long distance phone calls. We chose Vistula's V-Cube IP PBX technology as the platform for these products for its scalability, low cost of entry and advanced features.

Via upi

Aussie Police to implement VoIP

The Australian Federal Police is in the process of implementing a new IP telephony system with ten sites going live in the last six months. The AFP has adopted the cookie cutter approach to the project under which each site receives a standardized large or small install depending on its size. 

Although the staff covered by the rollout was not revealed but the migration is expected to be one of one of the nation's largest.

As per Mark Barrett:

The project wasn't just about reducing the cost of telephone calls, a commonly touted benefit of moving from a traditional analogue system to all-digital IP telephony. What was important was what we could do in terms of new functionality.

Via: [VoIP Central]

Nintendo Wii and VoIP?

Rumors are afloat that the yet to be released Nintendo Wii would double as a VoIP device. If the rumor gets backed by facts then this would demonstrate the entrance of broadband phone technology into the mainstream and would set a bar for the other higher priced consoles.

It is expected that the remote would be having a microphone and the remote would be able to store a user's phone book. This would certainly enable players to communicate with each other while playing games online. So get ready for the Nintendo VoIP.

Via [voipnews]

Lasers USB VoIP Phone – Simply Not Great

Lasers USB VoIP phone for Skype seems to be run of the mill product but what is interesting about it is the large monochrome which displays caller ID information and selectable ring tones.

The phone cannot be considered to be the most impressive device in the market and its red color would certainly not match the PC’s and laptops available in the market until and unless one prefers gaudy colors. Its set up is simple and one is required to install the included SkypeMate software and the Skyoe client itself.

via pcworld

MMT to Distribute Linksys Range of VoIP products

MultiMedia Technology (MMT) would be distributing the Linksys range of VoIP products along with software developed by home VoIP provider engin. Earlier Ingram Micro was the only distributor of the range of Linksys VoIP products. Cameron McIver at MMT said that Linksys contacted them as they had been selling their VoIP products for a number of years. They were told that their sales matched and even bettered that of Ingram Micro.

MMT would be distributing four Linksys VoIP hardware products along with engine software. This has given MMT an opportunity again to sell engine as well.

Via crn

Softroute Corporation to Be a Corporate Sponsor of VoIP Demo

Softroute Corporation has agreed to be one of the features corporate sponsors of VoIP Demo.  The event allows attendees to research new IP communications products and services by undertaking live demonstrations and interactive presentations. The event would be held at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Clara, California from August 8 to 10.

Rich Tehrani, President and Conference Chairman, TMC said:

We are excited to have Softroute on board for this groundbreaking event. As we enter into the second generation of IP Communications solutions, having a venue such as VoIP Demo for companies to present their products is invaluable for the vendors, as well as for the enterprises, venture capitalists and analysts in attendance. And the support of our partners like Softroute is key to making this event

Via tmcnet

Yahoo and iBasis offer International VoIP

Yahoo and iBasis have come together to provide Yahoo Messenger with Voice which would enable U.S. users to make PC to phone calls via iBasis international network spanning more than 180 countries. 

U.S. customers would be able to employ the Phone Out feature for placing and receiving calls to or from traditional or mobile phones in the hundred and eighty countries covered by the iBasis Network. Phone calls to other U.S. locations and thirty other countries would be costing two cents per minute or less.

Via: [VoIP Central]

Vonage Shares Register the Sharpest Decline in US Stock Market

Vonage registered the sharpest decline in any market debut in U.S. stock market. Its share prices fell nearly 13% because of the concern regarding stiff competition and rising marketing costs. Its prospects were already being viewed with skepticism by many analysts who cited growing competition in VoIP services. The prices of the share fell $2.15 to close at $14.85 on the New York Stock Exchange after falling as low as $14.50 in the earlier session.

Richard Greenfield, Analyst, Pali Research said:

It's very hard to see what their competitive advantage is. We basically believed, pre-IPO, that the price should be $10 or less.

Via [Reuters]

CounterPath and Convergence Offers Bulletproof VoIP

CounterPath Solutions and Convergence have entered into a partnership for offering bullet proof VoIP security. CounterPath’s eyebeam 1.5 Video SIP softphone has been certified by Convergence for use with its Eclipse SIP security and management offering.

The companies are offering customers VoIP security which prevents any unauthorized access to user’s call and protects the service providers from attacks meant to disrupt or disable their service. The companies are trying to lessen concerns regarding VoIP security that continue to present a major obstacle for organizations seeking advantage of the benefits of VoIP.

Via vnunet

TeleGeography Report States VoIP Goes Mainstream

TeleGeography’s recent report has stated that VoIP has gone mainstream and is here to stay. The number of VoIP service subscribers has grown from 1.3 million to 4.5 million which represents a 248% from the fourth quarter of 2004 to the end of 2005.

It is predicted that by 2010 almost 19 million VoBB lines would be in service. This growth would come at the expense of incumbent telephone companies. A major percentage of the growth was driven by the continued success of market leaders including Vonage. This report provides quarterly updates of the U.S. consumer VoIP market.

Via tmcnet

MMC Launches ClearStream QoS

Mid Maine Communications(MMC) has introduced its ClearStream quality of service support for critical, high bandwidth, real time network applications and now business owners in Maine have a better quality broadband VoIP. ClearStream provides its customers the ability to prioritize the bandwidth allocation across their WAN. 

As per the press release:

ClearStream will enable SitelinkIP customers to extend internal network policies across the WAN and guarantee bandwidth needs to meet high priority voice, video and enterprise applications.

Mid Maine has taken a big step by introducing QOS into their network.

Via tmcnet

China's Taxation Bureau Adopts VoIP

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Taxation Bureau has adopted Cisco's Unified Communications solution. This up gradation is being regarded as the largest Unified Communications project based on IP telephony within China's taxation system. Around 2,600 Cisco Unified IP phones are being installed at fifteen state level and one hundred and fifteen country level offices. The completion of the installation was done at the end of March 2006 and the bureau is expecting the project to bring profits within one and a half years.

It is expected that the system would reduce the communication costs of the taxation bureau and would increase its operational efficiency.

Via: [VoIP Central]

Plaxo Planning To Enter VoIP Market

Plaxo plans to enter the VoIP market. Plaxo has unveiled its plans for moving beyond the synchronized and centralized online address book and calendar and become a communications provider. Company’s Click to Call feature enables users to make calls by clicking on a phone number in their Plaxo address book.

The screen pop asks the caller to confirm the number and when the screen is clicked the phone rings. When it is picked by caller, the system automatically initiates the call to the other person.

This move marks Plaxo’s first foray into allowing its customers to communicate by phone with people listed in the contact management service.

via zdnet 

Startech Selects verso For Deploying VoIP in Nigeria

Startech Connections has selected Verso technologies for deploying its MetroNet VoIP Overlay system which includes the I-Master prepaid platform which would run over a WiMAX-based radio system enabling services to both residential and business markets in Nigeria.

The system can be deployed into a metropolitan market over any broadband medium including xDSL, cable, wireless, satellite, fiber and microwave. The integrated system also consists of the I-Master which is a real time authentication and rating engine that enables carriers to deploy the complex rating system which is required for securing new market opportunities.

Via tmcnet

Comverse Completes Netcentrex Acquisition

Comverse Technology has completed the procedures for acquiring Netcentrex for around $159 million in cash. With this the companies would be combining Netcentrex’s software for IP based triple play and fixed mobile convergence services with Converse’s set of billing services for targeting operators deploying services in the VoIP and IMS markets.

Raz Alon, interim CEO, Comverse commented:

The acquisition of Netcentrex is yet another example of our strategy to augment the strong product portfolio and market presence of our business units with talented people and leading technologies focused on emerging growth opportunities. We believe this combination opens new avenues of growth for Comverse, and strengthens its position as a leader in VoIP and IMS-related solutions.

Via tmcnet

CloudShield Partners With Mitsubishi for DeliveringVoIP

CloudShield Technologies has partnered with Mitsubishi Corporation for delivering CloudShield’s DDoS mitigation, VoIP and Content Service Control systems to Japanese carriers and service providers. As per the agreement, Mitsubishi would be distributing and supporting the entire suite of CloudShield products and services in Japan.  A Customer Showcase Center would also be opened in Tokyo for demonstrating these products and services built on CloudShield platforms.

Matt Jones, CEO, CloudShield said:

Partnering with Mitsubishi Corporation provides CloudShield with a strong presence in Japan. Mitsubishi Corporation's credible track record in introducing next-generation solutions for the communications market is consistent with CloudShield's expectations of its partners.

Via tmcnet

Robert Kramer Joins SunRocket as CIO

Robert Kramer has joined SunRocket as the Chief Information Officer (CIO). His responsibilities as the CIO would include managing the company’s information investments and ensuring that automated support applications can scale seamlessly and cost effectively.

Earlier Kramer was serving as Senior V.P., Business Technologies at America Online and was managing the organization responsible for the design, development and certification of all the server based business applications that operated.

This is what Lisa Hook, President and CEO, SunRocket had to say about Robert Kramer:

Rob is a world class executive talent seasoned in successfully managing and launching consumer services and applications for the mass market. As our explosive growth continues in the coming months and years, Kramer will play a crucial role in scaling our automated support systems and managing the design and deployment of innovative technologies to the residential marketplace.

Via businesswire

3Sixty Systems and InTechnology Partner for Offering 3SLive Customers Access

3Sixty Systems and InTechnology have come together to offer 3SLive customers access to InTechnologys IP Voice Connect hosted IP telephony service. Law firm Robin Simon LLP became their first customer and it registered over hundred users in four UK locations to the service.

3Sixty which itself has used InTechnologys managed network services for a number of years wanted to integrate its web based 3SLive product with an IP telephony solution meant for small to medium sized businesses. Its customers would be able to access a feature rich service which includes call logging, high levels of call visibility and diary synchronization.

Via tmcnet

Fujitsu Announces VoIP offering For UK

Fujitsu has announced a new VoIP offering for medium to large businesses in the UK. The service would be offered on a per user per month basis which would create a situation of predictable expenditure for the companies who invest in the service. The company believes that a business model which allows users to forecast telecom expenses beforehand would prove attractive to companies which are seeking to reap the economic benefits of VoIP tele[phony.

The plan would be costing UK £21 per month per user. The companies would also be paying a handset charge that would be between £4 - £15 per month depending on the type of handset being used and there would also be a one time installation fee of £25 per user.

Via voip-news

Public Beta for Zfone Released By Philip Zimmermann

Philip Zimmermann has come up with the public beta for Zfone which is a new product for encrypting VoIP conversations. Zfone makes use of a new protocol for encrypting VoIP conversations. ZFone makes use of a protocol referred to as ZRTP which is better as compared to the other approaches for securing VoIP as it achieves security without relying on certification, PKI, certificate authorities, trust models or key management.

The new protocol has been submitted to the IETF as a proposal for a public standard which enables interoperability of SIP endpoints from different vendors.

Via itwire

Covad Offering Domestic Monthly Minutes for VoIP Customers

Covad’s customers using its PBXi and PBXi Plus business class VoIP offerings would now be able to benefit from unlimited domestic monthly minutes up to 101,000 minutes per site.

John Grady, Director, Covad said:

With unlimited domestic monthly minutes, PBXi Plus becomes an even better fit for how small and medium businesses use VoIP. PBXi Plus provides customers who have already invested in a premise-based solution, an unbeatable value combination: award-winning VoIP technology, the quality of service of Covad’s nationwide network, a seamless installation experience and no upfront charges.

PBXi Plus caters to small businesses and distributed enterprises with existing on premise phone equipment.

Via newtelephony

Zimmerman to introduce Free VoIP encryption software

Pretty Good Privacy PGP creator Zimmerman is likely to launch Zfone, a free VoIP encryption program for Windows. Zimmerman launched Zfone for Mac and Linux sometime back this year. Zfone as designed by PGP creator will provide standard VoIP service to the users. Zimmerman's IP service will able to maintain secrecy in the communication.

The striking feature of Zfone is that it does not need a web of computers to hold the keys or long numbers. Rather it carries out the communication process inside the digital voice channel. Hence a third party has no keys.

Via: [VoIP Central]

Five held for illegal VoIP service

The Namibian Police arrested five foreign nationals, one woman and four men for illegally VoIP service. They have also sold cards to people urging them to make cheap international calls. The Namibian Telecom complains that these five foreigners carried on their VoIP service at two houses in Windhoek , which Police raided later. It also claims that the fraudulent business which was in operation since November last year caused a loss of N$2 million to the telecom.

The Telecom came to know about the fraudulent business in February. Then it complained the police. The police last week seized 640 phone cards, which were made in Japan.

Via: [Namibian]

Visual Nexus comes to India with AT&T

Continuing its global expansion strategy, the Visual Nexus, which has tied up with VoIP giant AT&T has made an entry to India. AT&T has already made a strong hold in Indian VoIP market. It supplies products for video conferencing in India , one of growing economies of the world. Now the AT&T has decided to further expansion of its networking in the sub-continent.

The Managing Director at AT & T Network Systems, Ashwin Desai commented,

Having examined a variety of products in the unified collaborative solutions (UCS) market, Visual Nexus stood out as an organization with a clear focus in the field. The company also came recommended to us by France Telecom. We're excited to be involved with the open source technology, and in due course hope to offer additional technical support services for Visual Nexus installations.

Via: [VoIP Central]

Verizon Business prepares expanding its VoIP service in EU

Verizon Business has come up with a comprehensive measure to increase its enterprise-level customer's base throughout the European Union. The leading VoIP service provider Verizon Business is ready to expand its VoIP offerings in throughout the EU.

It has already launched its IP Trunking in five European countries; UK, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands and will be extended to other countries including Ireland, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. The IP Trunking serves the need of the business community. It connects the PBX platform to the enterprise data network and public networking using a single connection. Ultimately, it enables the enterprises to establish IP communication infrastructure.   

Via: [Teleclick]

Lingo becomes the first VoIP service provider to offer free calls to Mexico

Lingo has become the first VoIP service provider to offer free calls to Mexico. The leading US internet phone service provider Lingo has evolved a special strategy to offer unlimited calling service to the customers of Mexico. The customers can use their broadband connections to phones to access Lingo's service.

Lingo charges $29.95 per month. The Lingo's VoIP services to Mexico is known as 'Unlimited Mexico', under this plan the American IP giant offers attractive services to its customers.

To create sizable customers for its VoIP services, Lingo is ready to offer free cost service for the first month. Then it will charge the determined price from the customers.

Via: [TMC Net]

DigiLinea expands regional network

Good news for the Americans whose friends, relatives and well wishers are living in Latin America. Because DigiLinea has some special arrangements for them. The leading VoIP service provider has planned to expand its regional networks. Now the US Hispanic community can communicate with their friends and relatives at Latin America at a lower cost. It is the better opportunity for the people to keep touch to their relatives living in a distant place.

DigiLinea has acquired the legal right to provide telephonic services to its customers. It has acquired telephonic licenses in Latin America. At the same time, the company has distributed the licenses to ensure services and local telephone operators in Gutemala. A good number of Guatemalan immigrants are living in the US. With DigiLinea planning to provide cheap VoIP services, the customers are likely to develop a sense of attachment towards it.

Via: [TMC Net]

Skype Certifies Polycom Communicator

Skype has certified Polycom Communicator for use with its VoIP software and is co-branded with Skype for sale. The Communicator has a high quality, full duplex hands free voice communications with high fidelity wideband audio quality capabilities and special POlycom technology for improving audio quality and reducing feedback.

It can also be utilized as a high fidelity speaker and it operates as a standard plug and play USB speaker. The phone would be available worldwide through Polycom certified channel partners and through skype’s website at a price of $129.

Via voip-news

Skype Fixes Security Bug in Its Software

Skype has upgraded its internet telephony software in order to fix a security bug which could expose sensitive data. This flaw could result in an attacker construct a Skype hyperlink which when clicked on by the target would send a file from the victim’s computer to another Skype user.

Secunia had termed this issue as moderately critical as this bug could be exploited by attackers for bypassing certain security restrictions and potentially disclose certain sensitive information. An upgraded version of Skype was released with the flaw fixed.

Via zdnet

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Chooses AltiGen’s VoIP Phone System

Schlitterbahn Waterparks has chosen AltiGen’s AltiContact Manager VoIP Phone System and Call Center solution for five of its locations.  The park has gained major business benefits including reduced monthly call and maintenance costs and increased productivity due to the use of VoIP.

Now Schlitterbahn is equipped with a system that ties all the locations together over IP. As most of the staff of the waterpark is field based, this new system has been configured for automatically ringing the employees on their cell phones via AltiGen;s ExtensionAnywhere feature.

Via yahoo

Clarinet Offers Cost Saving Phone Adaptor

Clarinet is offering its customers a phone adaptor which provides savings to customers compared to what they could pay to their local retailer. The device which is being offered is a Linksys PAP2 which is a digital telephone adaptor that converts analog phone signals to digital so that it can be sent over a broadband internet connection.

In order to use the VoIP service the customer would be requiring a broadband internet connection, fixed line phone and phone adaptor. The adaptor includes a router and is available for AU$ 150.

Via geekzone

VoIP Goes Mainstream, According To Infonetics Research

According to a study conducted by Infonetics Research titled "User Plans for VoIP: North America 2006." states that although VoIP is still in the early stages of adoption but it has started to go mainstream.

Highlights of the study:

36% of large, 23% of medium, and 14% of small North American organizations interviewed were already using VoIP products and services in 2005 -- VoIP adoption will triple by 2010 among small organizations in North America -- The top drivers for deploying VoIP are having an integrated phone system across multiple locations, scalability, operational cost savings, and converging voice and data networks -- Next to basic voice, money saving long distance/toll bypass is the highest ranked application for VoIP -- The percent of users at respondent sites accessing VoIP over wireless LANs grows from 5% in 2006 to 20% in 2008 -- Among respondents using in-house VoIP, the most commonly used protocols for their IP phone endpoints now and in 2008 are SIP and the 4 versions of H.323 -- Cisco, Avaya, and Nortel, the top PBX manufacturers in North America, head the list of manufacturers of VoIP products currently in use (IP PBXs, gateways, and IP phones) -- Organizations spent an average of $47,667 on hosted VoIP in 2005, growing 34% to $63,799 in 2007; for managed CPE, expenditures grow from $10,865 in 2005 to $28,367 in 2007

via hispanicbusiness

Arroyo Instructs CICT Regarding VoIP Adoption

Instructions have been sent by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the new chairman of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology for advocating the use of VoIP technology in government. The verbal order was made by Arroyo at an event last week during which the president conversed with key executives of a call center based in states regarding VoIP.

Ramon Sales, Chairman, CICT said:

She has directed the CICT to convert the whole government into VoIP.

Switching to VoIP would cut the expenses of the government’s telecommunications.

via inq 

Vonage’s IPO Date Announced

The much awaited IPO of Vonage Holdings Corp would begin from May 23. The company would be publicly issuing a total of 31.25 million shares with a price n=band of $16 to $18 per share. The company is hoping to attract its current customers to buy stock in hope of cashing in on the company’s future growth.

Deutsche Bank Securities, Citigroup, Bear, UBS Investment Bank, Thomas Weisel Partners and Piper Jaffray & Co have agreed to underwrite the IPO and would be receiving a total of 4.7 million shares for underwriting them. The IPO is expected to generate between $575 and $647 million.

Via teleclick

Tension Brews at Avaya Due to Strike Threats

Tension seems to be brewing up at Avaya’s two offices at Denver as around 700 union workers in Colorado are preparing for a potential nation wide strike when the contract expires on May 27. Around a dozen workers walked an international pocket line at the company’s Highlands Ranch campus off C-470 and Lucent Boulevard.

Union workers are asking for a job security clause in their new contracts they believe that the company has plans to outsource their jobs.

According to John McKinney, employee, Avaya:

I voted to strike. I'm very much supportive of protecting my job and benefits and the way of life I've grown accustomed to.

Via denverpost

Lingo Offers Unlimited Phone Calls to Mexico

Lingo is offering unlimited phone calling to Mexico. The Unlimited Mexico VoIP plan provides the customers with the opportunity for using their broadband internet connections and phones so that they can make unlimited calls to their family and business associates in Mexico for just $29.95 per month.

The plan also offers unlimited phone calls in U.S. and Canada. The company is claiming to offer more options for calling to and from Mexico as compared to other major broadband internet phone services available. The service is free for the first month and costs $29.95 per month thereafter.

Via tmcnet

XO Communications Leads The Race In SMB Market

According to a recent study conducted by the Yankee Group, How Do SMBs Fare in the CLEC Versus ILEC Matchup?, it has been found out that among competitive local exchange carriers, XO Communications leads the race in terms of market share for the SMB market. XO holds around 11% share of the SMB market

According to Charlie Cary, V.P., XO Communications:

Our focus on innovative bundles and VoIP solutions, like XOptions Flex, supported by superior customer service has enabled XO to break away from the pack in terms of leading the market with these types of offerings.

Via voipforsmb

Optimum Voice Introduces Global Planning Plan

Optimum Voice is introducing a new global calling plan. Called the Optimum Voice World Call, this calling option significantly extends the value of Optimum Voice by allowing customers to call anywhere in the world for a flat fee of just $19.95 and there are no additional per minute or connection charges.

At a flat rate, the subscribers receive 500 minutes of international calling and additional blocks can be had for an additional $19.95 each. The service affects more than 900,000 Optimum Voice Subscribers in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

Via tmcnet

Toshiba to sell Wireless VOIP phones

Toshiba America will sell two of its VoIP phones, the Hitachi IP5000 and the SpectraLink Link 6020 and a wireless PDA. Toshiba's phones will be available from May 18. The Hitachi IP5000 operates on the company's 802.11b Wi-Fi network and the SpectraLink phone in private wireless network, which is operating in the 900MHz band. The company has not yet fixed the prices of the phones.

Greg Portis, Toshiba America Product Manger commented, "It's the next evolution in communications". He also said that the wireless phones would work with Toshiba's Stratus CIX. Stratus CIX is a PBX designed for small and midsize business.

Via extremetech

Percipia eyes at VoIP Hospitality Market in Hong Kong and China

With a view to enhance market share for its VoIP services for the hospitality sector in Hong Kong and China, Percipia has made strategic partnership with InfoCom Ltd of Hong Kong. Percipia, which has gained distinction for its IP solutions in hospitality sector said that it will set up a liaison office with InfoCom Ltd. The liaison office will keep touch with Percipia and provide local installation and customer support.

VoIP technology is important for the hospitality sector because it helps the hotels and casinos to provide better guest services. Columbus based   Percipia provides VoIP services over 450 customers worldwide. Percipia is globally identified as a Cisco partner. It has implemented its software with Cisco IP phones in about 10,000 hotel rooms worldwide.

Via news2u

Matrix Internet Targets VoIP Customers in Japan

Matrix Internet has emerged as the main supplier behind a VoIP service being launched in Japan. The company along with Telecall Japan plans to target 100,000 clients within a year. The service would be targeting foreigners’ especially Latin American resident in Japan.

Users would be able to call from Japan to Sao Paulo for the price of a local Brazilian call. The customers would be receiving two numbers and a prepaid card. Since 1988, Matrix Internet along with primus Telecommunications has been offering connectivity and call center solutions in Brazil.

Via bnaericas

MantraGroup Launches Mobile Software for Palm OS Devices

MantraGroup has launched mobile software which is the first solution targeted for Palm OS Devices. mobiVoIP requires the Palm devices to be enable to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or EVDO. It enables users to place telephone calls directly from the PDA which in turn expands PDA’s capabilities to be used as a converged device.

According to Manohar Chapalamadugu, CEO, Mantra Group:

We are the first company to release a VoIP solution for Palm OS. We are confident that mobiVoIP will truly change the way we use our Palm devices.

Via prweb

MoBif Wants a Piece of African VoIP Market

MoBif Bhd wants to tie up with an Africa based broadband company in order to gain foothold in Africa. The company is seeing the potential of its products in Africa due to high demand for VoIP technology which would be reducing phone charges by rerouting calls via the internet.

According to Kevin Leong, CEO, Mobif Bhd:

The people recognise that ICT is a catalyst that can catapult the country to the next level of development," he said in Penang. The cost for the initial stage of server deployment would be between US$50,000 (RM180, 000) and US$100,000 (RM361, 000).

Via theedgedaily

Pacific Internet Partners With NEC for IP Telephony Service

Pacific Internet has tied up with NEC for delivering business grade IP Telephony service restricted to users connecting at 512/128Kbps or more. This tie up is being seen as the first concerted move into the Australian VoIP market.

According to Dennis Muscat, M.D., Pacific Internet:

Adding VoIP to our product suite is a natural progression for Pacific Internet, and the reputation Nextep and we have built as high quality, reliable data service providers means we’re best placed to succeed in this market by selling end-to-end voice and data solutions.

Pacific Internet decided to enter the VoIP market after a research it conducted which showed that six percent of the local broadband enabled SMB market wants to adopt VoIP in 2006.

Via voipnews

Western Australia Shows Interest in Broadband Funding

Local parties have shown strong interests to the Western Australian government after it asked for proposals for attracting funding from the federal government’s AU$11 billion Connect Australia broadband package. The requests for the proposal came after Senator Helen Coonan, federal communication minister said that she was considering setting aside a large part of Connect Australia for funding regional broadband infrastructure.

The minister has found the idea to be suitable and has asked for consortiums of telcos to put forward proposals regarding how the funding would be spent.

Via zdnet

Linksys Introduces Wi-Fi VoIP Phones

Linksys has come up with the first two telephone handsets designed for VoIP over Wi-Fi for American customers and it would enable users to make low cost VoIP calls through 802.11g wireless networks. When connected to the internet via a Wi-Fi hotspot, the users would be able to select the appropriate phone and VoIP service provider for their specific needs.

The top end model is priced at $369.99 and has a user interface which allows users to easily configure the handset I order to access available wireless G networks. The in built web browser can be used for accessing web based email, view sites or receive internet based video. The company plans to launch more phone products in the second half of 2006.

Via itwire

Quiconnect and Cicero Networks Announces Auto-Logon at Public Hotspots

Quiconnect and Cicero networks have announced the availability of CiceroPhone with Quiconnect’s Hotspot solution which makes it seamless for users to make wVoIP calls at public hotspots. The hotspot connector automates the connection of Wi-Fi enabled devices at public hotspots and removes the complexity of users gaining wireless internet access on the move.

The connector automates the authentic process of Wi-Fi devices at commercial hotspots. The software has the number of various scripts required for a user to log onto a network and includes preloaded credentials.

Via xtvworld

Verizon Unveils VoIP Solutions for International Markets

Verizon has introduced a broad portfolio of VoIP solutions for the international markets which offers a simple and an efficient way for global customers to transit their voice and data services to IP technology.

When the services would go over the managed networks the customers could realize the cost, features and productivity benefits of VoIP without compromising on the reliability and quality which they would have come to expect from traditional business telephony. The solution also includes IP Trunking, Hosted IP Centrex and managed IP PBX as well as an enhanced IP Integrated Access offering to the Verizon VoIP portfolio.

Via itnewsonline

Plantronics Voyager VoIP Headset System

Here comes the new Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset system which is considered to be the first Bluetooth headset system optimized for VoIP. The headset provides instant wireless connectivity to PC based softphones and has a plug and play Bluetooth adapter for hands free VoIP calling. It also utilizes multipoint technology which allows users to switch between multiple Bluetooth enabled devices which includes wi-fi phones, softphones and mobile phone with a button touch.

The features of the headset are:

•    Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for brilliant sound in indoor and outdoor environments    

•    Lightweight, foldable design for all-day wearing comfort and easy storage    

•    One-touch call answer/end, last-number redial and voice-activated dialing with mobile phones    

•    Boom swivels for use on either ear for optional wearing preference    

•    Up to six hours of talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time    

•    Freedom to roam up to 33 feet away from voice-enabled Bluetooth devices

It is priced at $199 and would be available fro June 2006.

Via digitaltechnews

Encamm Network Unveils Skype Call Recorder Plug-In

Ecamm Network has unveiled a plug in for the Mac OS X Version of Skype. The call recorder can create call archives which one makes or takes using Skype. The call enables one to manually start and stop recording or it could be done automatically. AAC audio format is used for saving files and are given descriptive file names which include caller ID and date and time information. The calls can be saved as QuickTime files.

The call recorder can be used for remote interview podcasting, call logging and much more. One can download the demo version. The system requirements are Skype for Mac v1.4, Mac OSX v10.3 or Intel processor.

Via macworld

Verizon Announces Global VoIP Gateway Service for Wholesale Market

Verizon has come up with three product announcements for strengthening their presence in the wholesale VoIP telephony market. It has made available a global VoIP Gateway Service for the wholesale market.

The company has announced the availability of a global VoIP Gateway Service for the wholesale market. This service enables the wholesale customers to offer full IP Telephony to PSTN trunking services and global termination of calls through one single, scaleable product.

This would result in lower operational costs, competitive wholesale pricing, reduced cost of ownership and access to Verizon’s network and partner relationships.

Via tmcnet

A New VoIP Registrar Announced: SPIDER

An announcement has been made regarding a new, non profit VoIP Registrar. It is called SPIDER or Service Provider ID E.164 Record Registry. The registry has been created in order to interconnect the large number of VoIP islands or communities emerging around the world.

It is the only industry managed repository of the addressing information required to enable the efficient exchange of addressing information between the various islands of VoIP services. SPIDER is pitching itself against Neustar but it would be quite difficult to break the monopoly enjoyed by Neustar.

Via voip-magazine

Nokia Upgrades Nokia 770 to VoIP and IM

Nokia has come up with an upgrade for their Nokia 770 Internet Tablet which gives the device VoIP and instant messaging capabilities through Google Talk. The announcement of this device was made at the VON Europe conference in Stockholm and it marked the entry of Nokia into VoIP.

Company officials claimed that this technology was not expected to break into the market of traditional mobile telephones. Existing users of Nokia 770 can upgrade their devices in order to use the new Google Talk features for free over the internet.

Via digital-lifestyles

VoIP Usage Increases in Germany

The increased usage of VoIP in Germany is pushing the growth of IP networks in the country. The increased demand for advanced broadband services has resulted in Telefonica deploying one of the largest distributed networks from Cisco.

The expanded network would be supporting the growth of wholesale and retail broadband services and help Telefonica deliver new fixed mobile converged services to consumers and businesses. The work was undertaken by Cisco along with its partner Dimension Data and Cisco’s PGW 2200 Series soft switches, AS 5350 Series and AS 5400 Series Media Gateways were used for this purpose.

Via vnunet

More for Business Users From Skype

Skype has decided to offer new features for businesses but it would not be developing a specific VoIP product for the workplace. Some of its capabilities have been geared towards business users such as features that enable multiple users to share an account in order to pay for services. It has also entered into partnerships with other companies for its business users.

According to Niklas Zennstrom, Founder and CEO, Skype:

We will continue to bring out features useful to business users. What we’ve not done is an enterprise-wide solution, and that’s not our intention.

Security questions had led to some businesses banning Skype and some vendors had even offered applications for blocking it. With this the company is trying to a better job communicating about its security.

Via macworld

Free Call Promotion Launched By Skype In U.S. And Canada

Skype has announced a marketing stunt that would allow its users in U.S. and Canada to make free calls to conventional wireline and mobile phones. Earlier users in both the countries were required to pay for calls from their PCs to traditional phone. Skype wants to accelerate usage in the North American market where the adoption of its voice over internet technology has lagged other regions of the globe.

This offer would be available till the end of the years and the coverage includes calls within the United States and Canada. Calls from North America to conventional phones in other countries would be incurring charges.

Via voip-weblog

Skype makes calls free

In an effort to increase membership, Skype has introduced free calls facilities to its customers. Now the customers can make free calls from PCs to phones within Canada and the US for the rest of the year.

By providing free services to the customers Skype can hit the market and collect revenue in the long run. Skype has not earned much profit for its services in North America. It charges only 9 cents per month per user. So Skype has decided to provide free services for the rest of the year.

Via: [Marketing Shift]

ISPhone starts Melbourne office for VoIP service

ISPhone, the leading VoIP service provider has started an office and a network PoP in Melbourne to cater the growing demand for internet telephony services in the region. The office in Melbourne will assist ISPhone's Victorian partners access to local training, support, sales and marketing resources. The company has also decided to expand its networking through out Australia and other areas of the Asia Pacific region. For which it has been taking a number of steps. Started its operation in February, ISPhone has now 20 resellers and 100 users. 

Via: [IT Wire]

Netcentrex VoIP Deployments crosses 3-million mark

VoIP deployments of Netcentrex have crossed over 3 million Class 5 lines in commercial service. Netcentrex which works for voice over broadband connectivity and triple-play services claims that its customers are currently activating over 5,000 lines per day.

In order to increase it's networking to provide VoIP services to small and medium size companies, Netcentrex teamed up with French ASP provider Ornis and developed host ASP IP telephony services.

Via: [TMCNet]

VoIP in Germany gaining momentum

VoIP service providers are now targeting German market as the use of VoIP in that country has increased remarkably. Particularly IP networking vendor Cisco took the advantage of growing demand. Telefonica, the leading VoIP service provider has deployed Cisco PGW networks. The network will enable Telefonica to provide new fixed-mobile converged services to customers. Telefonica which serves 30 national carriers and 160 ISPs will enhance the growth of wholesale and retail broadband voice services.

Via: [VNU Net]

Netcentrex’s VoIP deployments exceed three million Class 5 lines

Netcentrex’s VoIP deployments have exceeded three million Class 5 lines in commercial service. The company has been experiencing a worldwide growth in voice over broadband connectivity and triple play bundle service.  Its customers are currently activating over 5,000 lines per day.

Its solutions are used in some of the largest IP service deployments worldwide. It is the only softswitch/application server with demonstrated five nines reliability over an extended time. According to industry research firm iLocus, the company delivered 29% of VoIP local call volume for standards based VoBB platforms in 2005 which made the company the leader in this market segment.

Via itnews

RADVISION SIP in VoIP Chipsets Embedded By Atmel

U.S. based Atmel Corporation is licensing RADVISION’s SIP toolkit to be used on Atmel’s product line of wireless and wired VoIP processors. The toolkit would be used for bringing advanced VoIP capabilities to Atmel’s VoIp processor devices that are targeted at embedded applications such as enterprise VoIP WiFi and wired phones and VoIP enabled home routers.

The toolkit would enable Atmel to rollout products which have the high performance, stability and interoperability required for the business and home environments. The architecture of these processors allows lower cost, lower power consumption and higher performance as compared to other solutions available in the market as of now.

Via Computing

Bob Jane T-Mart Migrates to Nortel’s IP Telephony

Bob Jane T-Martwhich which is regarded as one of the Australia’s largest independent tyre and battery retailers is migrating its national communication network to IP telephony using Nortel solutions. The overhaul would be seeing more than thirty company owned stores and sites upgraded with Nortel IP telephony and digital handsets with similar packages offered to the company’s 120 plus franchise stores around the country.

According to Edward Hore, IT manager, Bob Jane T-Mart:

Towards the end of last year we realized our existing phone system was becoming far too expensive and difficult to manage, so we started looking for a self-maintaining system with the aim of significantly cutting our call costs in the process.

Via ComputerWorld

Windows Mobile Devices Targeted By VoIP Engine

Spirit DSP has come up with a software development kit in order to build VoIP capabilities into Windows Mobile devices. TeamSpirit Mobile ensures high quality voice and video on resource constrained devices and is being regarded as the first engine for running VoIP on CPUs with clock rates below 200MHZ.

It integrates optimized codecs and a range of voice enhancement components such as automatic gain control, full duplex acoustic echo cancellation and noise suppression.  The software development kit provides the functionality required for the purpose of ensuring high quality voice exchange over Wi-Fi connections and can be enhanced with video support using standard H.263 and H.264 video codecs.

Via WindowsForDevices

Skype Announces a Joint Solution for Global Calling in 150 Languages

Skype, Voxeo and Language Line Services have together announced a joint solution that would make it easier for individuals and businesses to communicate cost effectively from English into 150 languages Making use of an innovative mix of internet calling technology and world class personal interpreter services, this would give Skype users the ability to talk to anyone and anywhere world over at any point of time without taking inti regard the language.

Skype users would be on the phone in up to a five conversation with other Skype users and a live, professional Language Line Services interpretor.

Via voip-weblog

Vonage adds 200 emergency call centres

Vonage claimed that it has now 200 locally run emergency call centres, in 70 counties with E911. With new centres, Vonage can provide more effective emergency call services to the customers. The leading VoIP Company Vonage has now 4500 centres all together.

In the last month it has opened E911 service in 690 PSAPs and 175 counties. The company is working on the guidelines as prescribed by the FCC on E911. The Federal Communication Commission has directed the VoIP service providers to ensure E911 service to the customers.

Via: [TMCNet]

High time to regulate 'Phone Number Portability with Internet Service' issue

It is a high time for us to wipe out the loopholes prevailing in the telephone regulation especially phone number portability with VoIP service.  So that customers can get effective services for the money they invest on it.  Now consider the situation- Emily and Don Dalton could get their old number despite changing the companies from Lingo to Vonage. What is surprising to note the fact that Dalton is paying to Lingo for no service. These two companies provide VoIP service. The Federal Communications Commission which regulates number portability has to legislate a law for VoIP service.

Via: [kutv]

Skype starts Skype 1.4.0.49 for Mac OS X

Skype has launched Skype 1.4.0.49 for Mac OS X software for Intel-based Macs. This software is based on universal Binary system. By using this software, the skype users can communicate among themselves.

It also receives and forwards calls from regular phones. At the same time it lets the users to show Skype status on the Site and also in email signatures.

Via: [MacNN]

Optima Enters Into Agreement with Engin for VoIP Hardware

Optima has entered into an agreement for incorporating VoIP hardware from engine into its selected desktop PCs. The built in hardware would be enabling ADSL users to plug a regular telephone into the PCs and make engine enabled calls. These products would be available from the month of June.

The deal is not exclusive and both the companies are trying to reach out an agreement on final service pricing. SMB resellers would be benefiting from the deal as engine is enjoying a good reputation with the resellers.

Ikka Tales, engine CEO said:

it made sense for the two local companies to work together but wouldn't be drawn on potential sales.

Via arnnet

FCC Frequency Auction to Make In-Flight VoIP Calling Possible

An FCC frequency auction to be undertaken this week would be paving the way for VoIP calls in flight. Around nine companies are bidding for the frequencies. Many of the airline companies have been favoring a ban providing VoIP in-flights but Connexion by Boeing which has been offering their services in nearly two hundred international flights daily have up till now not noticed any complaints regarding in cabin incidents about the technology. Their service is already being used by passengers for making VoIP calls.

Via informationweek

Toshiba Launches VoIP Unit

Toshiba’s Mexican unit has launched a digital software division specializing in corporate communications system. The range of the products includes traditional and IP systems that integrate voice, data and applications.

The company has already found out fifteen distribution partners for its new division and is aiming to increase the number of partners to sixty. The company is providing channel partners with a vendor’s cut of 25 percent which could be increased to the degree distributors specialize in the solutions.

Alejandra Guadalajara, Product Manager, Toshiba said:

Currently, we have seven channels in the Federal District, three in Monterrey, three in Guadalajara, one in the southern region and another one in the southeast.

Via tmcnet

AOL Plans To Launch PC Based Internet Service

AOL is planning to launch a PC based internet service closely tied to its AIM instant messaging service, a move which is expected to expand the web portal’s options for advertisers.

AIM Phoneline to be started this month would be available as an ad supported free service in order to make PC to PC calls. Users would be required to join the paid service in order to make calls to a landline or wireless network.

According to John McKinley, CTO, AOL:

the company plans to make money from Phoneline through search-related advertising, as well as display ads. Initially, subscribers can click on an ad to call the sponsor. Later this year, AOL will provide an ad-supported directory service for looking up businesses and residential numbers.

Via informationweek

T-Mobile Bans VoIP from Its 3G Network

T-Mobile has banned VoIP from its super 3G data network. The reason sighted by the company is poor quality. Earlier it was said that the move was a commercial decision but in a statement issued on Wednesday, the company stated that VoIP technology was not of high level quality so that it could provide a good customer experience on the T-mobile network.

The company also stated that there