VoIP News: September 2009

Trials on fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband technology being organised by BT have attracted another internet service provider (ISP).

Murphx has joined the project, hoping to benefit from connection speeds of up to 40 megabits per second (Mbps) that BT is trialling at various locations around the UK for the next few months.

Whitchurch in Cardiff and Muswell Hill in London are among the areas where the technology is being tested and residents in these regions could find they receive faster connection speeds and more efficient use of VoIP solutions.

Carl Churchill, murphx director, said: "It is very exciting to be a part of these trials to offer a significantly faster download and a 2Mbps upload speed in the first phase with the second phase of testing encompassing a 5Mbps upload product towards the end of the year."

The FTTC technology involves carrying broadband to cabinets in the street through a fibre link and then connecting to individual homes using existing copper wiring.

The system could help surpass the government's 2Mbps universal connectivity target.

Posted on: 2009-09-30, in: Broadband

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The use of VoIP solutions could become more widespread on flights in both Europe and the US as using the internet to make phone calls in the air is not explicitly banned by airlines.

Calls made from regular mobile phones are largely prohibited in-flight due to fears the signal will interfere with the aircraft's instrumentation and several airlines, including British Airways, are investing in ways for passengers to make calls using satellite technology, reports USA Today.

Opinions are divided as to whether calls made using VoIP solutions should be prohibited, although one of the main causes of controversy is the concern that allowing internet calls could raise cabin noise levels and disturb other passengers.

VoIP solutions are becoming more popular as a way of communicating cheaply on the ground, with many businesses adopting the technology to help reduce their outgoings during the recession.

In addition, the technology could help more employees seek flexible working conditions, something that could be particularly useful for people who face added pressures at home.

Posted on: 2009-09-30, in: General VoIP

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VoIP solutions will form part of the communications infrastructure of Hind House in Neath, West Glamorgan, following a £2 million refurbishment operation.

The project is being organised by Neath Properties and Flexi Offices UK, using funding from the Welsh Assembly government and the support of Neath Port Talbot Council.

More than 14,000 sq ft of office space will be available when the refurbishment is completed by the middle of next year and the building itself has been renamed Market Chambers.

Neil Humphries, director of Flexi Offices UK, said: "When we researched the local economy, we identified a requirement for a facility that can provide both start-ups and established businesses with a flexible range of offices with the option for them to take more space as they grow and develop."

In addition to the VoIP hardware, the new offices will offer Wi-Fi facilities and a heat recovery air conditioning system.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing could find they can use VoIP solutions more effectively using a new headset developed by Geemarc Telecom that works with hearing aids.

Posted on: 2009-09-30, in: General VoIP

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If mobile phone operators started to provide VoIP solutions, nearly a fifth of UK adults would be interested in using them, a new study has found.

YouGov surveyed 2,255 UK adults and also found that 11 per cent of people who have already downloaded a VoIP solution to their handset use it on a daily basis, reducing the cost of communications, reports TMCNet.com.

Nearly 40 per cent of those who have downloaded a VoIP solution mainly use the software to access cheaper rates on international phone calls.

Steve Shaw, vice-president of corporate marketing with Kineto Wireless, the company that commissioned the study, told the website: "These results show us how people are using mobile VoIP applications and operators have the opportunity to drive new service offers based on growing consumer demand."

Many more young people use VoIP solutions through their mobile on a daily basis, with nearly a quarter using them every day, as opposed to the national average of 11 per cent.

A broadband tax being considered by the government could help fund next-generation broadband networks and make VoIP solutions even more efficient.

Posted on: 2009-09-30, in: General VoIP

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A new product is now available to help address any problems with VoIP solutions and to check configurations and any connection issues.

The VoIP Test Application for the QuickTest 500ADSL2+ Tester has been produced by Vonaq and designed as a multi-purpose tool to help sort out any problems users may experience with a VoIP solution quickly and effectively.

Richard Petrie, managing director of Vonaq, said the product is also intended to help customers installing Triple Play Services.

Mr Petrie said: "Combined with the existing IPTV Test capability, the launch of the QuickTest VoIP Test Application means that we are able to provide our customers with the most cost-effective and easy-to-use Triple Play Test solution in the market."

VoIP solutions are being adopted by private users and businesses alike as a cheaper way of communicating with friends, family and colleagues. Services can be available for free between computers or at reduced rates when relevant applications are downloaded to a mobile phone.

Posted on: 2009-09-30, in: VoIP Hardware

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