VoIP Monitor - VoIP by Region|Australia

engin Goes ''Unlimited'' with New VoIP Plan for Residential Users

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:14:32 GMT

engin has released another industry-best deal for residential users who want to significantly cut the cost of their monthly phone bills. The engin Unlimited Plan allows users to make unlimited calls to mobile, local, national and 15 international destinations for just $39.90 per month. International destinations include landlines in the UK, US, China, India, NZ, Vietnam, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Philippines and South Africa.

The engin service is easy to set up and use - residential customers can use their existing home phone and just need a broadband Internet connection (cable modem, ADSL); a router or switch; and an engin Voice Box (which converts the analogue phone signal to digital). The computer doesn’t even need to be switched on to make a call.

engin and Samsung Offer SMBs Major Savings on Phone Systems and Call Plans

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:42:15 GMT

engin and Samsung Communications have combined expertise to bring the latest telecommunications systems to Australia’s small to medium businesses. Using VoIP technology, SMEs can benefit from very low call plans from engin and fully featured phone systems from Samsung.

The deal bundles Samsung’s OfficeServ 7000 series IP PBX range with engin’s VoIP call delivery. During May, SMEs can save up to $2000 in upfront costs while confidently making the move to VoIP and ensuring the long term cost savings of proven VoIP telephony.

With the purchase of a new Samsung OfficeServ system, Samsung Communications will provide special offers to enable VoIP functionality free of charge to new and existing engin customers.
http://www.samcom.com.au/offer_engin_sip.aspx

engin will then provide customers with free line rental for the first three months, plus the significant ongoing savings provided by its full range of highly competitive VoIP call plans.
http://business.engin.com.au/HomeOffice.aspx

Additional functionality being supplied free with the deal is Samsung's Mobile Executive Integration (Mobex), or ‘twinning’, which is the ability to have a mobile phone and fixed line handset ring simultaneously when the fixed line is dialled. This allows the seamless answering of either the fixed handset or the mobile phone.

The range of Samsung OfficeServ Enterprise IP solutions offer flexibility, high level features and unrivalled functionality. The OfficeServ 7030 is designed for small businesses requiring up to 20 extensions. The range capacity increases with the OfficeServ 7100, OfficeServ 7200 through to the OfficeServ 7400, which simultaneously supports traditional voice communication, VoIP, IP-based data communication and wireless solutions through wireless LANs.

This bundled deal is available from all Samsung Communication Centres and selected Samsung Communications Authorised Partners nationally.

Australian VoIP Company engin Now Offering Discount on oneHub Package

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:18:47 GMT

Australian VoIP company,engin is offering another industry best deal with a 45% discount on its oneHub package. This special promotional offer of only $79 on a 12 month plan is available until 31 January 2010. oneHub is engin’s all-in-one device that allows customers to use VoIP and regular landline services through the same handset. The oneHub package provides fully integrated:

VoIP compatible cordless phone
IP voice box
ADSL2+ modem
Wireless network

engin has once again packaged VoIP services to meet and exceed the expectations of Australia’s digitally savvy marketplace. oneHub is usually $149 on a 12 month plan but for a short time is on offer for only $79 on a 12 month plan.

All engin VoIP plans have low call rates or included calls for a small monthly subscription. engin’s Starter Plan offers 10c local and national calls and its popular National Plan offers unlimited* local and national calls to residential users. International call rates are extremely affordable starting from 1.9c per minute.

Customers have the flexibility of using oneHub for VoIP only and can upgrade to engin’s Broadband service whenever they want, without having to purchase any extra equipment.

engin makes it easy for those thinking about moving to VoIP, with its step-by-step set up and installation process, the offer of a 30-day trial, and its local support team to help with any technical and service queries.

ShoreTel and Telstra Join to Expand IP Telephony in Australia

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:53:15 GMT

ShoreTel plans to expand the availability of reliable, cost-effective IP technologies to businesses in Australia by joining the Telstra Business System customer program through its relationship with Aria Technologies, a national distributor for ShoreTel in Australia.

With the addition of ShoreTel to its portfolio, the Telstra Business System program offers customers of all sizes a scalable and reliable IP telephony solution that offers the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. The Telstra Business System program is unique in providing a convenient single point of contact and accountability for every aspect of communications management, including local expert support, single billing and flexible payment options.

This new relationship combines Telstra's strength as the leading telecommunications and IT services provider in Australia with ShoreTel's proven technology leadership and award-winning customer satisfaction. ShoreTel recently achieved the No.1 market-share position worldwide for small and midsize enterprises using its UC desktop application, ShoreWare Call Manager, according to a study by the Synergy Research Group, entitled 'Q4 2008 Collaborative Applications Market Shares.' The study also ranked ShoreTel sixth in market share for UC desktop units in large enterprises worldwide.

Under the Telstra agreement and through the distribution relationship with Aria Technologies, ShoreTel has access to over 780,000 small and midsize business customers. Furthermore, there are another 1500 potential customers in the large Enterprise and Government sectors for whom ShoreTel would also present an attractive solution. ShoreTel's ability to scale quickly and easily, and across multiple locations, makes it an ideal solution for businesses and organizations of all types and sizes.

ShoreTel joins the Telstra Business Systems program after Aria Technologies, a major supplier to Telstra Business Systems under the Telstra brand, recommended ShoreTel because of its high levels of customer satisfaction, system performance and cost-effectiveness. Aria's expertise and experience in delivering IP telephony products further extends ShoreTel's commitment to delivering proven business communications systems to the Australian market, and globally.

ShoreTel has been gaining increased international awareness as the monolithic communications giants falter, and it captures global market share -- becoming the UC solutions provider of choice for many forward-thinking organizations. ShoreTel has been recognized by research firm Nemertes as the 'Best VoIP Provider' for five years in a row, and recently appointed Vasili Triant as managing director for ShoreTel South East Asia to lead the company's expansion into the enterprise sector in Australia and the region.

BroadSoft Helps Drive VoIP in Australia, iiNET Surpasses 100,000 Customers

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:33:30 GMT

BroadSoft announces that iiNet Limited now supports more than 100,000 residential VoIP customers. iiNet's iiTalk VoIP service is powered by the BroadWorks VoIP application platform. While residential VoIP adoption rates have been low in Australia compared to other countries, a 2009 Convergence and Communications report by the Australia Communications and Media Authority indicates a changing trend. With over three quarters of Australian households connected to the Internet and a growing awareness of VoIP, broadband telephony is positioned for growth.

3CX Opens Australian Office to Serve IP PBX Software Market

VoIP Monitor — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:36:17 GMT

3CX has opened an office in Australia. The Australian presence will play a key role in the expansion of the company’s partner network in the area, as well as, help support Australian-based users of 3CX VoIP Phone System.

3CX Phone System for Windows is an award-winning software-based IP PBX that replaces the traditional proprietary hardware PBX. It is based on the SIP standard, and therefore interoperates with most popular SIP phones, VoIP Gateways and VoIP providers. It allows businesses to completely break free from the restrictions of costly hardware-based proprietary phone systems and is very easy to manage by system administrators as it integrates well with Windows Network infrastructure.

“VoIP is seeing a staggering growth in Australia and 3CX is in an ideal position to offer the market an innovative product that meets the IP telephony needs of small and medium sized enterprises with 3CX Phone System for Windows.” said Richard Rundle, Director 3CX Australia.

“Australia is a key market for 3CX and our Australian team can give businesses in the area the know-how and support required to successfully adopt a complete IP PBX for Windows, and enjoy the many cost-reduction and productivity enhancement benefits that our product has to offer.” said Nick Galea, CEO, 3CX.

According to analyst group IDC, at the end of 2007 the install base of IP Telephony systems in Australian companies hit the 50/50 mark with traditional phone systems. Furthermore, IDC reports a whopping 40% increase in SMB purchases of IP PBX systems in Australia during the last quarter of 2007.

Internode Launches Second-Generation VoIP Service

VoIP Monitor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:27:36 GMT

Acme Packet announced that Australian broadband provider Internode has deployed Acme Packet’s Net-Net session border controllers to support its recently launched NodePhone2 VoIP service. NodePhone2 is Internode’s second generation VoIP service for business and residential customers throughout Australia. Acme Packet’s SBCs are deployed along with BroadSoft BroadWorks, a VoIP application software platform, as a BroadSoft Premier Access Solution that streamlined the planning and delivery process for Internode’s new service.

Internode’s NodePhone2 launch comes 18 months after the kick-off of its Public Switched Telephone Network outbound-only NodePhone1 service. With NodePhone2, subscribers can now both receive and make calls over the PSTN as well as over Internode’s IP network to other NodePhone2 subscribers. All NodePhone calls are transported on Internode’s fully redundant, private IP national network, which is used by more than 100,000 customers throughout Australia.

Internode's NodePhone2 VoIP solution leverages Acme Packet's SBCs to maximize its service reach, protect the NodePhone network against malicious attacks and assure high service quality. Acme Packet’s Net-SAFE security features, including access control, topology hiding and DoS/DDoS protection, ensure that Internode’s private IP network is both secure and available to provide IP interactive communication services. Acme Packet’s QoS reporting features equip Internode to monitor the quality of every NodePhone call by reporting media statistics, including jitter, packet loss and latency for every call, allowing Internode to detect and isolate quality-impacting problems. Hosted NAT traversal allows subscribers located behind firewalls to be served by NodePhone2 without requiring any changes at the customer site.

Verizon Business Expands VoIP Portfolio in Australia

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:48:40 GMT

Verizon Business has expanded availability of its VoIP portfolio to the Australian market, offering Verizon IP Integrated Access and Verizon Hosted IP Centrex to customers in six Australian cities. Verizon Business customers in Australia can now benefit from the advanced functionality offered by Verizon VoIP, as well as realise cost efficiencies from transitioning their voice and data services to a single IP platform.

The Verizon VoIP portfolio integrates network and customer premises equipment into a single platform, offering businesses a simple, efficient way to transition their voice and data services to IP technology at their own pace and irrespective of their stage of IP implementation. The ability to simply transition voice and data communications onto a converged IP platform is key for organisations wishing to implement next-generation communications to meet their business objectives.

Verizon Business' global footprint and extensive voice network coverage enable the company to offer one of the most extensive VoIP portfolios available. IP Integrated Access consolidates voice and data traffic over a single IP network whilst keeping the traditional PBX in place. Hosted IP Centrex is a robust, scalable and feature-rich VoIP service delivered from a hosted platform. This is particularly beneficial for customers who are moving to or establishing a new location or replacing an outdated PBX or key system. Verizon VoIP is fully supported by industry- leading service-level agreements.

John Irvine, vice president of international marketing for Verizon Business, commented: "Our industry-leading VoIP portfolio addresses our customers' need to move to a converged communications environment on a global basis, but at their own pace and in line with their own business objectives. In this converged IP environment, VoIP can work in harmony with other IP-based tools such as conferencing and Instant Messaging to enhance business collaboration and performance. Bringing IP Integrated Access and Hosted IP Centrex to the Australian market will help our Australian customers to transition to this IP world."

Andrew Dobbins, vice president of sales and service for Asia-Pacific, Verizon Business, commented: "This announcement is testament to our ongoing commitment to extending availability of our products and services to our multinational customers' key business locations. We're delighted to continue to expand our global VoIP portfolio availability into the APAC region, and look forward to further extending its reach into this dynamic market in the coming months."

Mayur Sahni, Analyst at Current Analysis, said: "Verizon Business' launch of its VoIP services in Australia is a positive move, as this will strengthen the company's product portfolio and competitive position in the market. In addition, with Verizon Managed IP PBX and Verizon IP Trunking in the pipeline, and expansion plans from six to 12 cities in the near future, Verizon Business is well placed as a long-term ICT partner."

So You Want a VoIP Service? New 28-Page Booklet

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 06:16:47 GMT

Communications Alliance has published the ‘So you want a VoIP service?’ Customer Booklet designed to assist consumers and small businesses who are considering a VoIP service for their home or office.

The 28-page booklet was developed by Communications Alliance with substantial input from industry representatives on its VoIP Working Group and was launched at the organisation’s third annual VoIP Forum in Sydney.

The booklet takes readers through “The seven steps to VoIP” under the following chapter headings:

Why do you want a VoIP phone service?
Things to consider
Ensuring that your broadband is up to it
Deciding on a VoIP service provider
Connecting it all up
Using your VoIP service
Customer service and your rights

The media release of the launch of the ‘So you want a VoIP service?’ Customer Booklet can be found here.

Virtually a Local Office Presence - on a Global Scale

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:34:40 GMT

Internet Telco Combined Technology has launched an affordable Virtual PABX call management system as a hosted "Global Office" - with no PABX equipment to purchase or install.

Combined Technology's Virtual PABX Global Office means telephone extensions can be connected in-house, or to offices or telephone numbers anywhere in the world. Subscribers simply sign up for the service on-line and provide their voice scripts and multi-level extension menus for programming and activation.

Combined Technology is among a growing number of global VoIP Telco's competing for residential and business subscribers world wide. Following the release of our latest SIP Protocol network, as well as the strategic world wide placement of remote servers and gateways; a quality affordable hosted PABX is now a reality for the home business to the Fortune 500 conglomerate, says Director of Business Development, Harmon Wilfred.

Call extensions can be landed on our free global VoIP network, regular telecom lines or even cellular phones with savings of up to 90% against standard telecom toll rates. "You could literally be lounging on a beach in the Bahamas and receive affordable international calls direct from your Virtual PABX mobile extension."

Combined Technology's Virtual PABX global office technology also means subscribers can be contacted by their international customers for free via Virtual Numbers now available in more than 50 countries. "Your international customers can make a local call to your Virtual PABX and connect to company staff anywhere in the world without incurring toll charges. It's virtually a local office presence - on a global scale."

Customers can choose from a selection of monthly subscription plans which start at US$20 per month. Virtual PABX Global Office can be ordered at www.virtualpabx.com.au or from the on-line VoIP shop at www.ctvoipshop.com. The company is currently offering a 14 day trial.

Established in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2002, Combined Technology has VoIP network subscribers in over 100 countries with offices in New Zealand, Australia, China, USA and Europe. The company is an international distributor of netphone handsets, multi-line phone converters, and VoIP software designed and manufactured in China.

VoIP SIP Softphone in Australian Market

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 19:24:56 GMT

CounterPath Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of VoIP (Voice over IP) and Video over IP SIP softphones, announced a licensing agreement with Primus Telecom Australia, part of the Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc., to deliver the Primus Internet Phone as part of its TalkBroadband product range.

The Primus Internet Phone enables users to be up and running in a few minutes, allowing them to use the TalkBroadband service on their computer and to start enjoying savings on local, long distance and international calling.

CounterPath's standards-based approach to softphone development ensured high levels of interoperability with Primus's existing infrastructure. The two companies worked closely together on configuring and branding the softphone in the run-up to the launch of the Primus Internet Phone, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Primus' Product Development Manager, Andrew Sims said, "We are delighted to be working with CounterPath to provide an internet phone solution to the Australian market which is simple, cost effective and state of the art".

Donovan Jones, President and COO, CounterPath said, "As the market adoption for VoIP increases, consumers are seeing real benefits in utilizing multimedia applications such as a softphone to communicate. We are very excited to be working with the Primus team in enhancing their new Internet phone service with our carrier-grade softphone".

All-in-One Integrated Voice Gateway

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:21:50 GMT

NETGEAR, Inc., a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, announced the first worldwide availability of the Integrated ADSL2+ Modem and Wireless Router with Voice (DG834GV). Six products in one, it combines an ADSL2+ Modem, Router, 10/100 Wired LAN Switch, 802.11g Wireless Access Point, Voice-over-IP (VoIP), and SPI Double Firewall -- offering greater simplicity for home and business networking. The Integrated Gateway is available now in Australia through engin, with future rollout in other geographies through NETGEAR broadband service provider partners.

Said Patrick Lo, NETGEAR's chairman and chief executive officer, "Developing strategic partnerships with innovative broadband service providers across the globe has proven mutually beneficial. NETGEAR is able to reach a growing number of consumers who are hungry for high-quality technology solutions that simplify and enhance their Web experience, and service providers such as engin are able to offer their customers the perfect technology complement to their broadband packages."

engin is Australia's leading Internet telephony provider and was the first to offer Internet telephony to consumers via major retailers. The company is branding a customized version of the NETGEAR Integrated Gateway (DG834GV) as the engin Voice Box Series 3, offering a single networking solution to remove the complexity and clutter of multiple digital devices. The integration of these devices minimizes setup difficulties and resolves interoperability issues, while simplifying control and management of the network environment. Through the ease of plug and play, consumers and businesses can immediately access their broadband connection and share the Internet with any combination of up to four wired and wirelessly networked computers, access points, or printers.

"When looking at vendors of networking products, we want to be sure that our subscribers have access to product solutions that are easy to set up and maintain, of the highest quality, are reliable and affordable, and can accommodate any manner of user requirements," stated Ilkka Tales, engin's chief executive officer. "NETGEAR has a well-founded reputation around the world for products that adhere to very high performance standards and are uncomplicated for the everyday consumer. As the products we offer customers reflects our service quality, we're proud to include NETGEAR products to improve the user experience."

NETGEAR's Integrated ADSL2+ Modem and Wireless Router with Voice (DG834GV) features high-speed 802.11g wireless capability -- up to five times faster than 802.11b -- enabling consumers to download large files and videoconference, as well as play and distribute high-quality digital movies, photos, and MP3s instantaneously. Also ideal for VoIP, the DG834GV converts normal analogue phone signals to digital and sends them over broadband, enabling users to make and receive calls from their current telephone number. With the addition of PSTN/FXO ports, the connection actually extends beyond VoIP to connect to regular phone lines for automatic emergency call routing and backup to PSTN during power failures.

Ian McLean, NETGEAR's Asia-Pacific vice president stated that, "The DG834GV adds VoIP functionality to our top-selling DG834G for minimal additional cost. The synergy of 2 market leaders in Australia -- NETGEAR and engin -- offers users a seamless Internet/VoIP experience."

The Integrated ADSL2+ Modem and Wireless Router with Voice (DG834GV) combines a double firewall (NAT+SPI) to secure consumer networks with Network Address Translation (NAT), shielding networked devices from intruders and potential attacks. In addition, VPN pass-through enables safe connections to a user's business network from their home and office, while Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention avert possible threats by scanning all incoming traffic. Backed by powerful WEP and WPA encryption, it provides secure wireless connections so information is concealed from eavesdroppers, and MAC Address Control prevents unauthorized access to your wireless network.

NETGEAR's Smart Wizard Install Assistant, with on-screen, step-by-step instructions, guides consumers through setup and automatically detects and configures the router for virtually all ISP connections. It is designed to standards-based specification and with the flexibility of future-proofed architecture, allowing for the addition of new, advanced features, such as TR- 069 Remote Management and IGMP Multimedia Support.

The NETGEAR Integrated ADSL2+ Modem and Wireless Router with Voice (DG834GV) offers a two-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Integrated Gateway will be available in Australia. High-resolution photos are available on NETGEAR's Website, http://www.netgear.com/pressroom/imagelibrary.php.

Torokina Networks has launched a Free VoIP Readiness Assessment

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 19:07:08 GMT

VoIP within the enterprise is increasingly being considered for the significant benefits that can be obtained, however few organisations really understand their technical environment to the point where a successful rollout of VoIP can be assured.

Torokina Networks, a market leader in network management systems and VoIP management solutions aims to change that. "As an independent expert in network management systems, we are not a provider of IP telephony or VoIP" said Peter von Dietze, Head of sales at Torokina. "As such we can offer an unbiased opinion on the readiness of a clients network and associated IT environment for a VoIP implementation, prior to actual roll out"

One of the biggest challenges facing significant take up of VoIP in the Australian enterprise is an understanding of exactly what can impact a production VoIP environment, and why so many have failed. This lack of understanding causes many potential corporate VoIP users to remain skeptical, who in turn are hesitant to entrust the core communication channel with clients to VoIP.

"Our free VoIP readiness assessment is a component of a larger offering Torokina has in managing VoIP and IP Telephony environments, said David burns, head of Integration at Torokina. ‘We see too many clients looking for management solutions after having already implemented a VoIP environment, where the business units are questioning reliability and quality. A quality VoIP deployment really needs three components, Initial readiness assessment, a solid VoIP security policy, and ongoing performance management of both the network, and IP Telephony components. The Torokina solution for VoIP and IP Telephony covers all three aspects"

"Torokina’s assessment uses simulated voice traffic flowing through the network between endpoints, and produces information on core metrics, such as latency, jitter, and MOS values. This allows an organization to understand the environments capabilities at different times, and under different work loads. This is a critical pre-deployment requirement that is all too often overlooked." said Mr Burns.

Torokina expects a significant take up of the assessment service, for both the no charge smaller assessments, as well as the larger, more comprehensive service. For more information, contact Peter von Dietze at Torokina Networks, or go to Torokina Networks

Australian Service Provider Rolls Out Residential VoIP

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 19:08:10 GMT

Acme Packet, the leader in session border control solutions, announced that Primus Telecom in Australia has deployed Acme Packet's Net-Net session border controllers (SBCs) to support its new residential broadband Voice over IP (VoIP) service. Launched in March 2006, TalkBroadband is a SIP-based VoIP residential service offering modeled on Primus' US parent's established VoIP service, Lingo.

Acme Packet Net-Net SBCs are used for hosted NAT traversal to maximize the number of customers that can make use of the service and not require changes in their home networks. The quality of service (QoS) reporting capabilities of the Acme Packet SBCs helps Primus Telecom monitor and maintain the service quality of TalkBroadband. The Net-SAFE security functions protect the SBC and service infrastructure from DoS/DDoS attacks, dynamically control service access and hide network topology. Application server failure detection and load balancing maximize service uptime in the event of network problems.

"Acme Packet's Net-Net session border controllers are leaders in the industry," said Jeff Pace, General Manager, Network Operations at Primus Telecom. "The proven interoperability with our BroadSoft application servers helped us achieve our goal of a seamless and rapid entry to market. Acme Packet's features that maximize service reach and increase our service scalability and availability will help us deliver on our plan of offering a cost effective, yet high quality communication offering."

"As one of Australia's largest telecommunications carriers, Primus Telecom has the experience to make its new TalkBroadband service a success in the Australian market," stated Andy Ory, president and CEO of Acme Packet. "Primus Telecom is delivering an innovative service to the telecommunications market and Acme Packet helps enable TalkBroadband's high quality, service availability and wide service reach."

Australian First Mobile Phone Activated VoIP Telephony Service

VoIP Monitor — Wed, 17 May 2006 01:34:02 GMT

VoXaLot Communications released a new Mobile phone activated VoIP telephony service where you control the cost. No VoIP equipment or headsets required.

Initiate calls between any two phones, anywhere in the world using your mobile phones browser and pay VoIP rates for the call. No restrictions -- either end can be a land line, mobile or VoIP phone. Subscribers control the cost of the call by choosing their own providers -- there is no lock-in to the service provider. Even choose two different providers for each leg of the call. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

"The new VoXaLot mobile service offers low VoIP rates for calls from your mobile phone" said technical specialist and co-owner of H.A. Enterprises, Martin Burns. "You can call any number in the world, and save significant amounts on direct international calls or when using prepaid mobile cards."

What are the implications? Any Mobile phone with Internet access is all that's required to connect any two destinations worldwide at dirt cheap VoIP prices -- the user decides.

H.A. Enterprises Pty Ltd is an Australian consulting company that was officially formed in July 2005 when three IBM employees came together with a vision to create a company where technology is king.

They have been responsible for many successful VoIP services including www.sipbroker.com and more recently www.voxalot.com.

Triple Play Over DSL in Australia

VoIP Monitor — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 19:12:51 GMT

CommTel Network Solutions Australia, a value added re-seller of Nokia's network solutions, has signed an agreement for the supply and implementation of Nokia broadband DSL solutions and related services to the Soul group of companies all operating in Australia. Deliveries commenced in January 2006 and the system will be up and running during April 2006.

The Nokia D500 IP Multi Service Access Node was selected due to its unique ability to provide fast Internet access in excess of 24Mbps, IPTV, and Voice over IP (VoIP) in conjunction with Soul's SIP-based softswitch. The 60Gbps scalable capacity provided in every Nokia D500 Node provides high quality of service and throughput for Soul's diverse range of broadband customers and services, including capacity for up to 200 simultaneous fast-switching multicast video channels.

Soul is the new brand name for the SPT group of companies which includes Soul Pattinson Telecommunications, B Digital, Digiplus, Kooee and SPTCom (formerly Comindico) all operating in Australia. The Soul network is a fully converged video, voice and data IP-based network with distributed switching throughout regional Australia. These capabilities enable Soul to deliver broadband products and services, whether voice, video or data, through to the "last mile" on its own fully converged network throughout metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

"Soul maintains a strong position in the multimedia market, as we already offer the full suite of telecommunications and multimedia services including high speed broadband, broadcast video as well as mobile and fixed telephony services to over 500,000 customers across Australia," says Rob Millner, Chairman of Soul. "Our relationship with CommTel and Nokia allows us to extend the delivery of multi-media services including VoIP to our existing customers as well as offering content to a wider converging customer base."

"The alliance between Soul and CommTel will allow us to introduce alternative, competitive broadband infrastructure to regional Australia which is a key objective for the Federal Government under the Broadband 'Connect' program. Meanwhile, we're also looking at opportunities to deliver voice services to consumers (using VoIP technology) as well as trialing IPTV services," Millner said.

"As an industry leader in SIP-enabled solutions Nokia is now one of the first in the world to commence deliveries of SIP-based Voice over broadband, enabling Soul's customers to continue using their existing home telephone over an IP-based voice network," says John Stefanac, Vice-President, Networks, Asia Pacific, Nokia.

"The Nokia D500 is a complete IP-based platform providing the security and quality of service that VoIP demands. It supports the latest DSL standards, SHDSL.bis and ADSL2+, increasing bandwidth for residential and business customers over both IP and ATM-based connections. We have now commenced trials, connecting with Soul over wireless LAN to leading SIP-compliant mobile devices such as the Nokia Eseries," Stefanac said.

Nokia has a renowned track record in carrier-class broadband and narrowband products and works together with key partners to enable broadband services for more than 50 customers across the globe, covering the European, Asia-Pacific, China, and the Americas markets.