US council set to save $5k a month with VoIP solutions

A US council is set to save $5,000 (£3,200) a month following the introduction of VoIP solutions, it has been revealed.

New Jersey-based Union County council needed to upgrade its phone system as its current package was due to become obsolete in 2012 when spare parts will no longer be manufactured.

The authority decided to adopt IP telephony solutions as it could be operated using the new fibre-optic broadband network which was recently installed in the area, reports tmc.net.

The estimated cost savings are brought about from cheaper call plans and the reduction in infrastructure.

Tommy Sinclair, Union County supervisor, told the website: "This is absolutely more service for less money."

The county will lease the technology for five years, paying a monthly fee of $1,368 (£873), and will then have the option of permanently purchasing the system for just $1.