Source: www.voip-news.com

How can you bridge the divide between traditional telecommunications and VoIP? That’s a secret that Sonus Networks say they know and are going to share at NXTcomm 2008 in Las Vegas from June 17-18. The company will be explaining how operators can launch a revolutionary solution to redefine telecommunications.

“Sonus has been focused on the future of voice for over ten years,” said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO at Sonus Networks. “Now, our vision is being realized as operators across the globe are rolling out IP-based networks to deliver the next generation of voice services. NXTcomm08 validates the idea that subscribers are ready for new multimedia services. Sonus is uniquely positioned to provide those services with our end-to-end, IP-based infrastructure solutions.”

According to the company:

Sonus will showcase its vision of the future at booth SU9208 with live demonstrations of solutions and applications that depict the experience in each crucial element of the network including:

– Residential and Business Services: Sonus solutions open up a new world
of IP-voice opportunities beyond the traditional network edge to
business and residential customers. At NXTcomm, Sonus will demonstrate
how it’s Voice over Broadband (VoBB) solutions can deliver IP
voice/multimedia over copper, cable, DSL and WiMAX.
– Connectivity: Sonus will demonstrate how it’s changing the way networks
connect, by reaching out to the past with PSTN interconnectivity and
looking forward to the future with centralized call routing, number
portability solutions, international gateways and more.
– Security: The Sonus Network Border Switch is the evolution of border
security. See how Sonus’ unique solution combines softswitch
functionality with advanced session border control features for a
low-cost, high-security solution to secure peering.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

After opposing Open Wireless Spectrum and taking FCC to court, Now Verizon wants to open up all your call information to third parties. It does not seem like only Verizon customers are affected. Callers from other networks will be let loose if Verizon’s customers do not act on a leaflet that comes with monthly bill. Since this is a change to contract, they never told you about CPNI disclosure, (INAL, check with your lawyer) you might be able to cease any contracts that customers has with Verizon and go to another provider.
Network Observations has sent an email to FCC Commissioners and also provide a template for you to use to send your own email to FCC;
"Email Subject: Verizon Wireless CPNI Disclosure

Dear Chairman Martin, and esteemed FCC Commissioners,

I am writing to express my strong concern that Verizon Wireless is able to subvert the will of the people and established Federal law by simply including a leaflet in my monthly bill advising me that if I do not Opt-Out of CPNI disclosure within 30-days receipt of the notice, I will be Opted-In automatically and with no further notice. Verizon will no doubt snare hundreds of thousands of subscribers who are simply too busy, or fail to recognize the importance of the CPNI announcement."

Fellow Blogger Ken Camp has also taken up the task.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

AT&T Inc.and digital music subscription service Napster Inc.are teaming up to offer Napster Mobile to the telecom giant’s wireless customers.

Beginning in mid-November, the service will allow AT&T wireless customers to download their choice of more than 5 million full-track songs over the air from Napster.

AT&T customers will be able to download five tracks a month at a price of $7.49 or for $1.99 per song. The companies are also offering the first five songs free to drum up interest for Napster Mobile.

Read the rest at BizJournals

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Avaya news
Avaya Inc. (NYSE:AV) today announced a tender offer by its wholly-owned subsidiary to acquire Ubiquity Software Corporation plc (LSE:UBQ.L). Ubiquity’s core software product is one of the leading software platforms for the development and delivery of SIP end-user applications.

The offer price is 37.3 pence in cash for each Ubiquity share. This values the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ubiquity at approximately GBP 74.3 million (approximately $144 million)1 after adjusting for the assumed proceeds from the exercise of options over Ubiquity shares.

Ubiquity develops and markets SIP-based communications software for fixed and mobile communications service providers, systems integrators, independent software vendors and channel partners. Ubiquity’s range of products has been developed to take advantage of the telecommunications industry’s migration toward all-IP networks.

"We believe that the addition of Ubiquity’s next generation software platform to Avaya’s portfolio will help customers and developers enhance the integration of communications technologies and business processes," said Micky Tsui, vice president, global communications solutions, Avaya. "We believe that Ubiquity bridges a wide range of fragmented technologies that cost customers’ money, time and speed-to-market."

Links;
Avaya news release
Ubiquity Software

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Please replace "nailed" with appropriate word.
I was revealed to the fact that Skype has become Skype Bell. Even though Skype told us earlier that it will not become another telephone company, it has just started doing so! Thomas over at Telecom’s Tsunami lead me to the facts stated below. You will also find the link to his original post at links.
".. this evening Skype announced the one of the oldest tricks in the 150 year old Telco "how-to suck more money from your existing subscriber base" manual by announcing for every SkypeOut call made, they will charge a $0.039 per call "connection fee"."

If 5% of Skype’s calls are Skypeout calls, and assuming 1.5 Billion calls per year is made through Skype, this old Telecomm schools trick of charging a connection will add about $3 millions to Skype pockets.
But this might work well with investors. And it is of course not so good for the skype users.

Links;
Telecom’s Tsunami: Skype 2007: The "virgin aura" is gone…

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Tom Van Aardt from MyADSL lead me to a poll held by ZDNet’s Russel Show;
if you could have one for free: Apple iPhone or BlackBerry Pearl?
I voted for ???? and it has 7% of the vote. (no it is not a BB). Go Vote yourself and see who the winner is.

Links;
MyADSL post on iPhone Poll
Russel Show’s Poll, iPhone or BlackBerry?