Plus: AT&T signs up new customer; Qwest, Verizon want rate freeze unfrozen now.
VoIP service provider Vonage is partnering with Cisco’s Linksys division to provide equipment for Internet-based telephone service customers. The partnership will kick off with Linksys providing broadband-to-phone adapters and wired routers that incorporate that adapter technology, but it soon will branch out with Wi-Fi equipment and could lead to wireless LAN phones, according to the companies.
Vonage also announced a deal with Netgear to develop a voice-enabled Wi-Fi router followed by a wired VoIP adapter/router. Those products should ship in time for the holiday shopping season, possibly as early as October, the companies said.
AT&T last week signed a three-year, $1.6 million deal with KRM Information Services, under which KRM would buy toll-free and long-distance voice and dedicated Internet access services from AT&T. KRM provides virtual seminar services used for training, marketing and events over the Internet.
KRM was already an AT&T customer and decided to renew its contract with the carrier. KRM also uses AT&T’s BusinessDirect portal, which will let the company access real-time network performance reports and check on orders, issue trouble tickets and manage its bills.
Qwest and Verizon last week urged a federal court to scrap temporary rules preventing RBOCs from increasing wholesale rates they charge competitors for at least six months.
Two weeks ago, the FCC issued the rate freeze, which countered an order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
