The Future of VoIP: Where Can it Take You?

TORONTO – Several years ago, VoIP was one of the hottest and most hyped technologies in the communications industry. Today, with approximately 30 percent** of all international voice traffic occurring over VoIP, people are wondering what’s next? What does the future of VoIP look like?

Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT ], the world leader in Carrier VoIP knows one thing is for sure – the future of VoIP is more than just voice. VoIP is a building block for next-generation networks that include both voice and multimedia to enable innovative communications applications. Nortel has deployed more than 100 million VoIP ports around the world and believes that the future of VoIP is all about changing our lives, homes and businesses in interesting new ways.
IP Powered Life – Enriching Life With Simple IP Communications

VoIP is so much more than just voice. The following examples are just a few ideas for what can be done with VoIP technology:

* Voice and multimedia applications that integrate video conference and chat with digital TV
* New VoIP-enabled dual mode phones use Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) solutions to seamlessly switch between WiFi and cellular networks. This handy solution helps users reduce their monthly mobile phone bills since airtime and long distance charges do not apply when the user roams into areas of WiFi coverage, such as the home or public retail locations
* In the future, VoIP capabilities can also be integrated with blogs, eCommerce and social networking sites like eBay and Facebook so that people visiting these sites will be able to click a link to interact directly with other people through an online video conference or voice call straight from the web

IP Powered Home

Is there someone in your home who is constantly tying up your phone line? Now, a single basic landline in the home is a thing of the past. With Nortel’s IP Powered Home for consumer VoIP and multimedia, families can take advantage of VoIP to make it easier and more affordable for every member of a family to talk to who they want, when they want. For example:

* With a VoIP line, everyone in the family can have a unique number to make and receive calls without contending for the family phone. Compare this to traditional phone services that need a separate physical line for each member of the family to talk on the phone simultaneously.
* With VoIP, you can make international calls at lower rates, either from a software interface on your home computer, a portable device or a SIP phone. This gives you more convenient options to stay in touch without spending a fortune

Want to see it in action? Check out the IP Powered Home video on YouTube .
IP Powered Business

Racking up huge mobile phone bills while traveling on business? Tired of inefficient business collaboration with coworkers in other locations? Nortel’s IP Powered Business solution for VoIP and multimedia can make communicating with colleagues around the world as effective and affordable as a face-to-face meeting in the office.

* Many companies use different service providers for their communications needs. This can be inefficient and confusing, especially for SMBs without dedicated on-site support personnel. When service providers use Nortel’s IP Powered Business solution to bring the latest VoIP services to their customers, businesses have access to the Personal Communicator application – a one-stop shop for voice, presence, IM and live video conferencing, allowing them to easily collaborate and connect with coworkers from any location over an affordable IP connection.
* Nortel’s IP Powered Business solution also allows businesses to keep communications mobile with a VoIP application called Mobile Extension that makes it possible for users to seamlessly move calls from a desk phone to a mobile phone

Curious to see more ideas for improving the efficiency of your business with Nortel’s IP Powered Business Solutions? Check out this video on YouTube .
Quotes

Samih Elhage, president, Carrier VoIP and Application Solutions, Nortel: “Nortel knows that VoIP is more than just voice. VoIP is the launch pad for so many more multimedia applications that can make both consumer and business communications more dynamic, more efficient and more affordable.”

“Nortel has a long history in VoIP, leading the evolution of this technology. We were the first in the industry to offer complete Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) replacement to VoIP. We were the first to deploy a carrier VoIP network in North America, the first to deploy a full-featured long distance VoIP network in the U.S. and the first global cable VoIP deployment. Based on our long history in this technology, we know what customers want and we have the expertise to provide it. With our industry-leading Carrier VoIP technology, we are taking VoIP to the next level with pre-packaged consumer and business voice and multimedia solutions as well as traditional Class 5 evolution and transit/multimedia interconnect solutions. We will continue evolving VoIP to the next level and setting the bar for next-generation communications applications like FMC and video.”

Check out a new podcast with Samih Elhage to hear more of his thoughts on the future of VoIP.
Proof Points

* According to Dell’Oro Group Nortel continues to be the worldwide leader in Carrier VoIP, servicing more than 320 Carrier VoIP and Applications customers around the world.
* Nortel has recently shipped over 100 million VoIP ports, which enable advanced communications solutions like IP Powered Home and IP Powered Business.
* Nortel provides VoIP solutions to two thirds of IDC’s worldwide listing of top 20 carriers (by revenue).
* With over 70 new Carrier VoIP customers since the beginning of 2008, and new customers like du in Dubai, Comstar in Moscow, and Clearwire in the United States, Nortel is continuing to provide operator’s with industry-leading Carrier VoIP solutions so they can continue to confidently implement technologies and offer the highest quality communications services to their customers.