Government VoIP services unified to one network

British government offices have been linked up with a secure unified communications service from Global Crossing which will see all calls carried by VoIP protocols through one network.

The IP telephony system uses a virtual private network (VPN) to host the VoIP calls at high levels of security to prevent them being accessed from outside due to the sensitivity of information in government departments such as HM Revenue and Customs and the Treasury.

But by installing the system, the government is hoping to cut down on expenditure on calls and boost efficiency by allowing employees to work away from the office but still remain in contact on a secure line.

"With this initiative, government is breaking new ground by adopting a uniquely flexible, 'secure communications anywhere' IP-based managed solution," said Anthony Christie, managing director of Global Crossing's UK and Europe division.

"By implementing this solution, they will contribute a key element to the government's broader transformation goals, which include reducing infrastructure costs by ensuring staff can work effectively as they deliver high-quality public services wherever they are located."

Features of the system include a breakdown of charges by user to allow the government department to see where it spends most on VoIP, while Global Crossing will be able to service the system fairly easily as the whole network is connected and so can be monitored all at once.