[September 22, 2004]

AT&T�s Tests Traveling VoIP Service

BY JOHANNE TORRES

Further showing its commitment to the full adoption of VoIP technologies, telecom giant AT&T (news - alert - quote) announced it just signed on 23 companies worldwide to beta test its new Voice over IP (VoIP) (define - news - alert - tutorial) offering for workers that labor remotely. The company plans to launch its new VoIP Global Remote Worker during the first quarter of 2005. 

AT&T first announced the VoIP Global Remote Worker trial this June. Among the companies that have signed on are entities with locations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom.  Some of the firms participating include Air Products, BASF Australia Ltd, Bausch & Lomb Hong Kong Ltd, Global eXchange Services and VTech.   

"The velocity we've demonstrated in deploying this initiative is proof positive of AT&T's commitment to leverage both our leadership position with enterprises as well as our expertise in VoIP-based solutions," said Cathy Martine AT&T senior vice president of Internet telephony.  "When it comes to VoIP and meeting the demands of businesses around the world, no one is better positioned than AT&T to VoIP-enable existing networks, deliver interoperable solutions and to provide a platform for VoIP application development."

The VoIP Global Remote Worker is based on AT&T�s CallVantage Service platform. The company says its new VoIP remote package is suited to meet the needs of international business travelers moving from hotel to hotel around the world. Users of the VoIP Global Remote Worker will have a single phone number, all the advanced features included in the CallVantage service�such as global teleconferencing, integration of voicemail with e-mail and do not disturb. Users will also avoid wireless global roaming charges when working remotely.

"We're very excited about the value this service can contribute to our bottom line," said Eric Wong, Bausch & Lomb Hong Kong's Manager of Information Management and Technology. "The conferencing capabilities and integrated voice-mail are significantly improving our ability to collaborate around the world."

Added Martine, "Not only does this solution serve the needs of road warriors, its ideal for U.S. residents or military personnel living abroad. Users can have a U.S.-based phone number even if they're living in Hong Kong." The initial installation and configuration of the service in non-U.S. markets typically takes less than 30 minutes and is compatible with most DSL or cable modem high-speed Internet services available around the world.

This announcement follows AT&T�s recent creation of a VoIP Innovation and Interoperability Program, which will aid the stimulation, development, delivery and adoption of new apps, capabilities and devices to serve businesses and consumers using AT&T's VoIP services.