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Avaya, Bhutan Telecom Announce Partnership Agreement

By David Sims, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Avaya has announced an alliance with Bhutan Telecom to build up and deliver Unified Communications (News - Alert), Contact Centers, Desktop level Video Conferencing & Data Networking offerings for Bhutan Telecom (Motto: “Um, No, We’re The Other BT”) customers in Bhutan.

The agreement stipulates that Bhutan Telecom will build a technology practice focused on Avaya’s (News - Alert) products and services. The companies also plan to set up an “Avaya Lab” at Bhutan Telecom’s campus.

In addition, Avaya will help BT (News - Alert) build what Avaya officials say is “end-to-end Consulting for Next Generation Contact Centers,” combining the IT services, best-in-class business offerings and an infrastructure for outsourcing.

Avaya and Bhutan Telecom have also developed a joint go-to-market strategy, according to officials of both firms, who say it will meet “the infrastructure, networking, voice and video requirements of corporations across Bhutan.” Both companies agree to invest in skills development and training labs.

The Avaya Labs (News - Alert) in Pune will allow BT access to current technology, and help their people develop skills and certify BT employees on Avaya platforms of Data, UC, CC and Video.

The technological development of Bhutan has been gradual but steady. In 2008 TMC’s (News - Alert) Anuradha Shukla wrote that AboveNet Communications UK provisioned a n IP Transit service for Bhutan Telecom, enabling its customers to experience fast, reliable Internet connectivity over fibre optic cabling.

“Prior to this installation, Bhutan Telecom relied on satellite connectivity for Internet access,” Shukla wrote, adding that AboveNet “enabled Bhutan Telecom to provide faster, more reliable and cost effective services to its customers. The infrastructure can be easily scaled to support future growth.”

Using AboveNet’s peering fabric and uncongested network, “Bhutan Telecom customers can enjoy a high quality, low latency Internet experience,” Shukla wrote, adding that “Bhutan Telecom is now poised to drive the development of new ICT focussed businesses in Bhutan, such as call centres and IT Parks. These businesses have previously proved unattainable due to high infrastructure costs and the poor connectivity in Bhutan.”