Tata Communications, a leading provider of A New World of Communications, and PCCW Global, an operating division of HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider, have signed an agreement to interconnect their IPX (IP-Exchange) communities. This will enable IP communications services such as HD voice and HD video in various global markets. As 4G adoption continues to gather pace, this agreement further expands the global community of interconnected mobile network operators (MNOs) who will be able to capitalise on the latest technology innovations in mobile broadband.
With the deployment of 4G and upgrades of 3G networks, next generation mobile IP communications services such as HD Voice are gaining traction. A recent GSA report[1] noted that the number of mobile operators now providing HD voice service is up 84 per cent in comparison to last year, with 83 mobile networks having launched HD Voice in 61 countries. By tapping into the worldwide networks of Tata Communications and PCCW Global, MNOs in emerging markets will be able to expand their IPX reach and Quality of Service (QoS) while delivering a seamless experience for mobile users of all IP-based communications services.
Christian Michaud, Senior Vice President of Product and Business Strategy, Global Voice Solutions, Tata Communications, says, “As we see more mobile operators introducing next generation IP-based communication services, global IP interconnectivity between networks is vital to delivering the highest quality end-to-end service experience. Through our latest IPX peering agreement with PCCW Global, we continue to expand our global community of interconnected mobile operators across Asia and Africa, providing the broadest global reach across emerging markets.
The interconnection between Tata Communications and PCCW Global is based on Tata Communications’ IPX+ connectivity platform. Underpinning this platform is Tata Communications’ global MPLS network, supported by its wholly-owned fibre optic subsea cable ring around the world, which brings the reach and reliability needed to interconnect mobile service communities globally. The company is a Tier 1, top five IP carrier with a reach to 74 IPX On-Net PoPs across 40 countries, ensuring maximum reach for the global community of interconnected MNOs.
Ronnie Klingner, President of Voice Solutions, PCCW Global, says, “We have been one of the pioneers of next generation IP-based networks, which enable us to deliver improved voice quality and greater cost efficiencies to our customers via Voice over IPX (VoIPX). The collaboration with Tata Communications further extends the coverage of our existing 40 direct VoIPX mobile networks.
PCCW Global provides IPX and VoIPX to over 130 countries, making PCCW Global one of the largest IPX providers with the most local access connections worldwide. PCCW Global’s portfolio of services includes an extensive list of global voice destinations and HD Voice over IPX with a high level of QoS on a wide-reaching MPLS, Ethernet and full IP voice network. PCCW Global is continuously expanding its services into new and exciting markets and developing its business into remote locations in the world with carrier interconnects for MPLS and Ethernet reaching more than 3,000 locations.
Tata Communications’ IPX+ connectivity platform supports multiple services across networks using integrated access to multiple data transport options over a converged IP network. It supports a combination of services, including VoIPX, LTE™ roaming over IPX, messaging and video and brings scalability, flexibility, QoS, and security as required by the service or application. This drives network efficiency and cost reduction, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and enabling faster time-to-market for next generation communication services.
