Just days after announcing that it will offer its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) advice as a founding member of the IMS Forum, VoIP infrastructure provider Sonus Networks Inc. has revealed that 360networks Corporation, a western regional local exchange carrier, has selected Sonus’ IMS-ready architecture as the foundation for its SIP-based wholesale VoIP. 360networks plans to deploy a complete suite of Sonus solutions, including the GSX9000 Open Services Switch, the PSX Call Routing Server, the SGX Signaling Gateway, and the Sonus Insight Management System. By providing SIP-based service, 360networks hopes to enable broadband service providers to enter the VoIP market quickly and cost effectively.

 

360networks’ service will target broadband service providers who need VoIP-to-PSTN call origination and PSTN-to-VoIP termination services. Supported by Sonus’ carrier-class IMS-ready architecture, 360networks will provide an a la carte menu of wholesale services that include local telephone numbers, inbound/outbound local calling, toll termination, E911, local number portability, directory listing, operator services, and directory assistance.

 

“Our goal is to deploy a carrier-class quality SIP-based wholesale service to enable broadband service providers to quickly and cost effectively deliver VoIP services to their end-user customers,” said Rick Coma, senior vice president of 360networks.

 

According to iLocus Research, Sonus is the number one market share leader in long distance IP voice solutions. Sonus-based networks carry approximately 40 percent of the world’s IP-based long distance traffic.

 

Last week at the 3GSM World Congress 2006, Sonus unveiled its standards-based solution for enabling subscriber roaming between wireline and wireless environments (Fixed-Mobile Convergence or FMC). The Sonus FMC solution is the latest application for its IMS architecture, and allows network operators to deliver a portable experience for end users.

 

 

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Cindy Waxer is a Toronto-based freelance journalist specializing in business and technology. She has written for publications including TIME, Fortune Small Business, Business 2.0, Computerworld, Canadian Business, and Workforce Management. To see more of her articles, please visit Cindy Waxer’s columnist page.