Thus, one of the major UK telecoms providers, has warned that the architecture of some consumer oriented VoIP products. The warning is levelled against those consumer targeted VoIP solutions that use a peer-to-peer model where calls are routed through a distributed network of computers. Thus warn that the transfer of data and voice is therefore against the user’s consent.

Applications, like Skype, are built using a proprietary peer-to-peer architecture. However, these programs are often designed in such a way to circumvent firewalls by masquerading as an internet browser. Thus warn that using a consumer oriented peer-to-peer program in a corporate environment can make it difficult to audit and control packet transfers.

Thus also warn that these peer-to-peer applications are bandwidth-intensive, which can become a costly drain on finances while slowing down the transfer of data within a corporate network. They recommend that companies test and certify any peer-to-peer VoIP application before allowing employees to install and use on their workstations.

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International have recently revealed their position with regards the “IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2005 (S 1063),” that had been passed bt the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on the 2nd of November.

It is the position of APCO International that portions of the Act would actually require the FCC to waive several regulations pertaining to E911 emergency calls issued in it’s recently published VoIP order. APCO International are concerned that the Act would allow effectively VoIP providers to continuing their efforts to add new subscribers in areas that are do not currently offer enhanced E911 capabilities.

“We believe that the FCC’s ability to enforce existing rules is in the best interest of the public’s safety,” read the statement from APCO International.

AT&T have won a 3-year networking contract worth $1.8m from Littelfuse Inc., who are ranked as one of the premier manufacturers of electrical component and specialized circuit protection products. As part of the contract, AT&T will build a worldwide Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) based on AT&T’s Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) platform. Littelfuse will use the network to support and develop their day-to-day work.

AT&T’s MPLS platform will also form the base for Littelfuse’s planned move from traditional landline telephone system to VoIP. Littelfuse intend to connect 17 manufacturing and administrative facilities throughout the United States, South America, Asia and Europe using the integrated voice and data service. This modern system is meant to improve Littelfuse’s customer service while reducing the cost of internal and external voice and data communications.

“With AT&T, we have more than just a supplier, we have a business ally that we know we can rely on to help protect our bottom line. That enables us to meet our commitment to our customers and our shareholders to find cost-effective, reliable solutions,” stated Jan LaHayne, CIO for Littelfuse.”

A Canadian VoIP service provider called Vbuzzer has challenged Skype’s proprietary approach to the development of their client software. It is Vbuzzer’s stance that their open and standarized VoIP protocol is a better solution for users looking to make VoIP calls.

Vbuzzer believe that by taking a proprietary route, Skype are leaving their customers open to security holes, viruses, inferior call quality and system-crippling memory leaks.

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SunRocket is one of the fastest growing VoIP providers in the United States, and they have just announced a new consumer oriented VoIP service priced at $9.95 per month.

SunRocket, one of the nation’s fastest-growing Internet phone service providers, today announced that it has once again revolutionized the way consumers buy residential phone service with a breakthrough $9.95 per month offering that includes enhanced 911 service, free calling features such as call waiting, caller ID and three-way calling, 200 minutes of global calling and unlimited inbound and SunRocket to SunRocket Internet phone calling.

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