AT&T will accelerate its commitment and timetable to provide VoIP services for businesses. Specifically, AT&T's accelerated rollout touches on three key areas:
- Equipment interoperability -- three more equipment companies -- Alcatel, Nortel Networks and Siemens -- have been added to the list of IP PBXs that are certified as interoperable with the AT&T network. The company has previously announced IP PBX interoperability with Avaya and Cisco Systems.
- "VoIP-Enabling" the Networking Portfolio -- AT&T will introduced a broader set of VoIP-enabled options across its managed data and virtual private networking portfolio. Plans include an IP local service option for its managed services customers. AT&T said it has already "VoIP-enabled" most of its managed services portfolio.
- VoIP Applications -- AT&T has committed to developing and introducing IP Centrex, call center and teleworker solutions. Trials for these three services will begin by mid-year.
