TMCnet News
Bell Canada Announces Trial of Integrated Fixed-Mobile Service; BridgePort Networks to collaborate with Bell on first North American trial merging voice services TORONTO --(Business Wire)-- Dec. 1, 2004 -- Bell Canada today announced it has entered into an agreement with BridgePort Networks to develop and trial Internet Protocol (IP) technology that integrates fixed and mobile voice services. This trial affirms Bell's commitment to delivering its services over one powerful, IP-based network.The solution will allow Bell customers to use a single phone service, no matter where they are. The technology will provide seamless connectivity through one handset, one number and one mailbox, whether at home, in the office, or on the road. The technical trial will begin in the first half of 2005. "This initiative brings us one step closer to our vision of the Bell broadband home, where all communications services are integrated and we simplify how consumers stay connected," said Charlotte Burke, Senior Vice President of Consumer Internet Services, Bell Canada. "This announcement follows trials already underway to bring video and wireline voice to the Internet, and demonstrates Bell's commitment to fully migrating to an IP platform." The solution provided by BridgePort Networks seamlessly integrates Bell Mobility's CDMA 1x network with Bell Sympatico's DSL wireless home network. Services will be delivered using fixed IP enabled terminals in the home and dual mode wireless devices that combine CDMA and Wi-Fi capability. "Next generation network convergence requires the application of next generation IP based technology to the mobile network," said Mike Mulica, President and CEO, BridgePort Networks, headquartered in Chicago. "We are delighted that Bell has chosen BridgePort Networks as a strategic partner for this industry-leading trial." BridgePort Networks is pioneering the convergence of mobile and Voice over IP services. The company's roaming technology extends single identity mobile phone number services over IP access networks, including DSL and Wi-Fi. About Bell Canada Bell Canada, Canada's national leader in communications, provides connectivity to residential and business customers through wired and wireless voice and data communications, local and long distance phone services, high speed and wireless Internet access, IP-broadband services, e-business solutions and satellite television services. Bell Canada is wholly owned by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. For more information please visit www.bell.ca. About BridgePort Networks BridgePort Networks(TM) is leading the seamless convergence of mobile and voice over IP services using a single phone number. The core product, the NomadicONE(TM) Network Convergence Gateway (NCG), uses roaming technology to extend single identity phone number services over multiple access networks, including: mobile, cable, DSL and WiFi. The NomadicONE NCG is a key component of an open standards partner ecosystem, mobileIGNITE (TM), comprising end-to-end solutions that improve the quality, coverage and cost of mobile service delivery. BridgePort Networks is headquartered in Chicago, with an R&D facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts and offices in London and Tokyo. For additional information visit us at: www.bridgeport-networks.com. |
