VoIP service providers will now be able to deliver prepaid VoIP services to customers who currently use their traditional phones together with an analog telephone adapter (ATA) or softphone. Vocalscape Networks introduced Friday a VoIP system which now allows for a VoIP service using a prepaid ATA model.

 

Company officials say they developed the new model in response to requests from customers who wanted to deliver VoIP services without having to engage in postpaid billing. The new model features a billing system which tracks the status of accounts online in real-time, as well as the ability to bundle prepaid funds or features, like DIDs, with devices sold in retail stores.

 

"Vocalscape's prepaid ATA model gives service providers more flexibility in their offerings," said Vocalscape's president Ron McIntyre in a statement. "The ability to mix prepaid, postpaid and subscription services means, for example, that customers who are on basic subscription plans can make long distance calls outside their plan using prepaid funds instead of being billed later. This allows end-users to meter their spending and significantly reduces risk for the service provider as calls outside the plan are paid in advance."

 

Vocalscape also made news earlier this week that in order to further develop Peoplefone AG's VoIP system; it has decided to acquire a stake in the company. Vocalscape agreed to receive 2.1m shares equal to a 6.32 percent stake in the company.

 

Via this deal, Vocalscape expects to aid Peoplefone in adding new features to its services such as Web-based voicemail and free in-network calling.