IP Calling Narrows Far-Flung LANsIP Calling Narrows Far-Flung LANs

Global telecom carrier Equant NV last week launched a LAN-based voice-over-IP service that provides IP calling on a customer's LAN, as well as between LANs on the customer's data network--even if the distant LAN is on the other side of the globe.

The IP Telephony service will be available in April in 60 countries and territories. Three undisclosed multinational companies are testing the service on four continents, Equant executives say. Until the end of August, Equant will let companies run the service without charge for six months among three sites, although restrictions apply.

The LAN-based service is an addition to Equant's Voice for IP VPN service. It provides voice signaling and delivery of voice packets across an IP PBX installed on the LAN. It can be combined with the wide area Voice for IP VPN service for carrying voice calls among multiple far-flung LANs. The service also is compatible with existing circuit-switched voice services and equipment, so customers can operate both types of networks side by side while making the transition to fully IP-based voice technology.

The service is likely to appeal to large customers with global operations that want to cut voice-calling costs or to consolidate separate voice and data networks into a single infrastructure, says Counse Broders, principal analyst for Internet services at Current Analysis. "The interest is going to be mostly on the high end," where Equant's reputation for data expertise and the reach of its global network will be particularly attractive, he says.

Compared with a new voice network using conventional technology, the IP Telephony service will cost about 22% less, Equant estimates. The service is based on voice-over-IP equipment from Cisco Systems, including its CallManager network management software, its IP voice gateway, and its multiservice routers. Initially, customers will buy the Cisco equipment; by summer, they'll have the option of leasing it.

Cable and Wireless plc offers a similar service but not to as many places.