Fonix Telecom, a subsidiary of Fonix Corp., an integrated telecommunications provider, and Lucent Technologies today announced the completion of Fonix's next generation IP network. Fonix Telecom began delivering new VoIP services, known as Fonix Fone, to customers across the new infrastructure earlier this month.



Lucent's voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) solution, including the Lucent Compact Switch, provides Fonix Telecom, a Competitive Local Exchange Network (CLEC), a facilities-based network platform enabling them to simultaneously support traditional voice subscribers and new VoIP customers. This network platform also enables Fonix to migrate from its dependency upon the ILEC's (incumbent local exchange carrier) unbundled network elements-platform (UNE-P) and reseller business model.

With the Lucent Compact Switch, Fonix Telecom will be in a position to offer VoIP services with Fonix Fone, for residential and business customers. Fonix Fone customers will have enhanced calling features, remote office capabilities, web portal functionality and full E911 capabilities. These enhanced services combined with superior network operations and customer service will enable Fonix Telecom to move solidly in the VoIP market place.

Lucent Worldwide Services provided 24x7 Remote Technical Support (RTS) and Repair and Exchange Services (RES) on the VoIP equipment during the deployment.

With its new business model as a facilities-based CLEC, Fonix Telecom expects to decrease its costs and increase its revenues, while at the same time adding the capability to maintain end-to-end control of customer services and improve time-to-market for next-generation products like VoIP. Additionally, Fonix Telecom will simplify network operations and ensure substantial growth potential for future IP-based services. Lucent Worldwide Services will provide maintenance services.

"The successful deployment of the Lucent Compact Switch will not only help us increase our revenues and margins, but also will help greatly reduce our expenses. This in itself will further enable us to deliver cost-effective telecommunications services to existing and new customers," said Dale Smith, vice president and general manager of Fonix Telecom. "By working with Lucent we were able to grow and enhance our network without disrupting our ability to provide high-quality customer service."

"Fonix Telecom will be able to further expand its portfolio of products in the Southeast," said Gerry Cafaro, vice president of sales for Lucent. "We look forward to continuing our work with Fonix Telecom in implementing our best-in-class technology to evolve their business and product offerings."

The Lucent Compact Switch also can serve as a building block to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network that can enable blended lifestyle services, providing carriers a clear path to an IMS architecture.