* Provides advanced VoIP services such as single-number ring simultaneously to multiple locations, intelligent call routing and sophisticated messaging
Windstream recently launched Dynamic Office–SIP as a business communications solution that combines voice, data and high-speed Internet services over a single connection. The voice connection includes the company’s new Session Initiation Protocol trunks while the integrated service is offered over either a T1 or Ethernet access connection. Windstream already offers a hosted VoIP service.
Windstream recently launched Dynamic Office–SIP as a business communications solution that combines voice, data and high-speed Internet services over a single connection. The voice connection includes the company’s new Session Initiation Protocol trunks while the integrated service is offered over either a T1 or Ethernet access connection. Windstream already offers a hosted VoIP service.
As is typical with other SIP-based voice services, the Windstream product provides advanced VoIP services such as single-number ring simultaneously to multiple locations, intelligent call routing and sophisticated messaging. SIP trunks typically also the lower costs over traditional voice services such as ISDN. Windstream was formed through the spinoff of Alltel’s landline business and merger with VALOR Telecom, and services about 3 million access lines in 16 states.
Our observation: As an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC), Windstream joins AT&T, Verizon and Qwest by providing a SIP trunking soltuion and it will also compete with CLEC SIP trunk offers already available.
In other news, T-Mobile confirmed last week that it plans to discontinue future sales of its @Home service once it runs out of the purpose-built Wi-Fi router needed to support the service, although it will continue to provide service to existing customers for the same $10 a month they are paying now. Customers who prefer to use a Wi-Fi connection to gain unlimited calling on their T-Mobile handset may continue to do so with T-Mobile’s Unlimited HotSpot Calling option. The Unlimited HotSpot Calling service provides unlimited calling from any open hotspot for T-Mobile customers with monthly minute buckets.
Our observation: with prices falling for unlimited wireless voice plans, T-Mobile’s decision makes sense since a customer can now buy an unlimited plan for about the same $50 that they would have paid for a measured $40 T-Mobile plan with the $10 @Home option. The downward price spiral of unlimited wireless voice and data plans is sure to accelerate “cord cutters” who discard a wireline voice in favor of mobile services. But we believe that the scarcity of wireless spectrum for mobile data will accentuate the need for T-Mobile and others to proceed quickly with femtocell technology as a solution for calling inside the home.
