Pasadena City College students and faculty will be able to tap the power of converged VoIP communications and wireless Internet access under a two-year, $6.7 million agreement. Under the contract with the Pasadena Area Community College District, Verizon Business will install and manage a new campuswide network that will support the current and future needs of about 30,000 students and faculty. The pact also includes deployment of a premises-based VoIP platform, as well as on-site technical support, and managed and professional services. Additionally, Verizon Business will provide the student population with Wi-Fi access throughout the campus, which covers 53 acres and 30 buildings. Installation of the new converged IP network is under way.

Verizon Business will help the college migrate from its existing time division multiplex network to a next-generation VoIP network. This new converged IP network can handle large amounts of traffic -- voice, data and video -- while eliminating the need for separate voice and data networks. As part of the upgrade of the campus infrastructure, Verizon Business will install advanced switching gear and a unified communications system for voice mail and e-mail on campus.

The Pasadena Area Community College District, established in 1966, is located in the West San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County.