Packet8Packet8 announces the introduction of Packet8 Virtual Trunking, a broadband agnostic IP trunking solution that allows a business to benefit from the cost efficiencies of VoIP while retaining their existing phones and phone system hardware and optimizing the use of their existing connectivity to the Internet.

Packet8 Virtual Trunking provides companies that have already made a substantial or recent investment in phone system hardware with an opportunity to reduce recurring monthly service and toll charges by delivering digital quality dial tone service over their broadband connection rather than a separate voice circuit from an incumbent or local exchange carrier. The company's existing phone system equipment continues to provide the user feature set while the Packet8 Virtual Trunking services provide dial tone together with local, long distance and international call routing services to that equipment from the Packet8 digital VoIP network.

In conjunction with the launch of Packet8 Virtual Trunking services, 8x8 has added domestic regional sales personnel who will be building a network of telecommunications resellers that sell into the SMB channel. Idaho-based interconnect Thompson Communications, a pilot customer who has been testing Virtual Trunking over a wireless Internet connection, had this to say about the service: "As a leading interconnect, our success is dependent on the quality of the services we recommend and deploy. Packet8's Virtual Trunking solution installed seamlessly over our existing wireless network and has exceeded our expectations for ease of deployment and voice quality. We look forward to recommending Packet8 Virtual Trunking to all of our customers."

Packet8 Virtual Trunking offers dial tone, toll-free number service, direct dialing, T1/PRI termination, analog termination, E911 support, Caller ID/CNAM, national directory listing and online billing and account management. Implementation of the service is achieved through installation of an Integrated Access Device on the customer's premise by a professional Packet8 installation team. Packet8 Virtual Trunking services can be provisioned and operational for customers in as little as one week from order.