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By Johanne Torres

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

BY JOHANNE TORRES

 

Sonus Networks announced on Tuesday that it was selected by Cable & Wireless International as its supplier of its next-generation IP-voice network. The new deal will allow Cable & Wireless International to deploy an IP-voice network, which delivers primary line local, long-distance and international telephony service.

 

Cable and Wireless operates in 34 countries around the world, including 14 islands in the Caribbean. Through this partnership, the company will initially deploy its Sonus-based network to support the Caribbean Islands and Bermuda. In select markets, Cable and Wireless plans to eventually replace its infrastructure with Sonus' IMS-ready access system.

 

"Cable & Wireless International's decision to replace its legacy infrastructure with a next generation, end-to-end network from Sonus is one of the most aggressive decisions by an incumbent carrier to date," said Sonus Networks' (News - Alert) chairman and CEO Hassan Ahmed in a statement. "Sonus is proud to be recognized as one of the only vendors in the world capable of providing such a robust solution, delivering a unique combination of enhanced localized call features and services, a variety of legacy signaling variants, as well as a platform for future next-generation features."

 

Specifically, Cable & Wireless will deploy a complete suite of Sonus' IMS-ready solutions including both the GSX9000 and GSX4000 Open Services Switch, the PSX Call Routing Server, the ASX Access Server, the Network Border Switch for IP-to-IP peering and security, and the Sonus Insight Management System for advanced OSS and billing support.

 

"Cable & Wireless aims to maintain its strong leadership position by embracing new technologies that give our customers access to unparalleled services and features," said Harris Jones, CEO Cable & Wireless International. "Cable & Wireless is committed to being a leading force in the evolution towards the all IP network, and we feel Sonus is the right partner to help us get there."

 

"We are pleased to have selected Sonus after a rigorous technical and commercial evaluation. The Sonus architecture provides us with the services, scale and ease of operation to transform our networks. We look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship established," stated Frank Mount, chief technology officer, Cable & Wireless International.

 

Cable & Wireless also selected Sonus to deliver design consulting; managing and supporting a full turnkey deployment including Engineering, Furnishing and Installation (EF&I) services; leading the migration from legacy to a Sonus-based network; and providing in-country operations support to enable rapid turn-up and operational readiness of the next generation network.

 

Sonus made news back in April when it joined forces with NMS Communications, a provider of technologies for mobile applications and infrastructure, to streamline the delivery of IMS-based applications and services to mobile handsets. The move would enable wireless and wireline operators to deploy a full suite of IMS-based multimedia services including NMS' Active Phone Book and apps, such as instant messaging (IM), push-to-talk and video sharing on a variety of mobile handsets.

 

Sonus' IMS-ready SMARRT Wireless system allows users to migrate to full 3G-network compliance. By enabling interoperability with NMS' IMS Mobile Client network operators, users can rapidly deploy a growing number of multimedia IP communication services on mobile devices spanning 2.5G, EDGE, 3G IMS, WiFi (News - Alert) and Bluetooth wireless networks.

 

If you are looking to learn everything there is to know about VoIP, IMS and other IP-based services, the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO WEST is just the event you won't want to miss. The event is the number one VoIP conference in terms of attendance; the leading IP Communications event for exhibitors in terms of lead generation; and the VoIP industry event which features special attractions for service providers and resellers. The event runs October 10-13, 2006 in San Diego.

 

Cable & Wireless

Sonus Networks, Inc.

 

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