Net2Phone launches SIP-based service

Net2Phone is now offering a SIP-based phone service to its broadband service-provider customers, allowing its cable companies to bundle both managed PacketCable and SIP services separately or in bundles.

The SIP service functions much the same way as Vonage’s VoIP telephony service, creating a packet-based line over a broadband connection. The PacketCable service, however, uses DOCSIS protocols to designate a voice channel over a coax line, creating a more dedicated line.

Net2Phone president of global services Bryan Wiener said Net2Phone anticipates most of its customers will use the service as a secondary line offering or deploy the service in areas where they can’t justify the cost of upgrading the cable plant. "With the PacketCable service, we’re reserving bandwidth for voice, guaranteeing quality of service from end-to-end," Wiener said. "SIP is a pure best effort solution, but many cable operators find it appealing as an alternative."

The two-pronged approach is the first in the industry, Wiener said, and allows many operators quick entry into new markets and the ability to provide voice services over any broadband connection, whether it’s through a un-upgraded cable network or a competitor’s DSL line.

Net2Phone announced Monday its first customer for the new SIP service, St.Kits cable operator The Cable. The operator has agreed to deploy the service, called VoiceLine, throughout the country and use the VoIP’s capabilities to offer competitive international calling plans.