reseller channel: News Briefs November 2005

Broadband phone services provider BroadVoice Inc. has taken the wraps off its Corporate Partner Program for U.S. and international businesses. The program lets companies provide VoIP through BroadVoices branded, turnkey service offering. Partners receive a public Web site with customer auto-provisioning, tailored calling plans, a customer self-management portal, auto-configuring VoIP equipment and tools for managing users and finances. BroadVoice Corporate Partners can sell VoIP services and equipment with their own branding, set their own retail pricing, bill customers directly and provide firsttier customer support.

Brightpoint Inc., a distributor providing wireless devices and sales expansion to customers, has signed a deal with its eighth MVNO customer. Brightpoint will provide XE Mobile LLC, a division of Triple Five Group of Companies, with inventory management, product fulfillment and distribution, reverse logistics and product customization services. XE Mobile is a pay-as-you-go wireless service that targets college students and youths. Brightpoint Inc. is a subsidiary of Brightpoint North America L.P.

VoIP Inc. debuts its VoiceOne Carrier Direct Program, allowing carriers to IP-enable their networks without having to make capital investments. VoiceOne is designed to provide carriers with media gateways at no charge, and installs and connects them to the VoiceOne network. This enables carriers to sell IP-based services, such as hosted IP Centrex, broadband voice, IP origination/termination, and 800 service, immediately. VoIP Inc. also provides monitoring and support services through its network operations center.

Peer-to-peer SIP service provider TelTel has launched its SIP Virtual Network Operators (SVNO) Partnership Program, modeled after wireless MVNO programs. The setup enables ISPs, ITSPs, CLECs, carriers and other providers tooffer VoIP and other SIPbased services without building the necessary infrastructure. The program charges a one-time fee and includes future revenue-sharing opportunities, according to TelTel. Partner providers gain access to TelTels SIP platform; SIP termination and origination capabilities; a softphone that can be co-branded; and integration with the partners networks. TelTels SVNO partners can offer conferencing, voice mail and PBX features to enterprises, in addition to operating Web portals for managing their services and user base.

Ernest Communications Inc., a provider of local and long-distance services, will expand its footprint significantly in the remainder of 2005, with expected nationwide coverage, the company announced. Ernest is opening 10 new markets to complement its already expanded coverage across the United States. In September, Ernest opened for business in the following Verizon markets: Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia. Its SBC Communications Inc. Wisconsin market is now open. Ernest also recently acquired local service certification in New Hampshire.

ANI Networks Inc., the wholesale arm of NOS Communications Inc., now offers wholesale services to CLECs, resellers and carriers, leveraging its switch and Feature Group D investments to serve voice resale and domestic termination markets. ANI Networks operates switch facilities in Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York and Sydney. The company is deploying Sonus VoIP switches throughout its network, and also is acquiring Red River Networks of Oklahoma City, Okla.