Empire Telephone Taps Pannaway-Nortel Solution for N.Y. IP Network

Empire Telephone Corp. is using a lab-certified interoperable solution from Pannaway Technologies Inc. and Nortel Networks to roll out new SIP-based VoIP services to 8,400 residential and business subscribers in Prattsburgh, New York.

The interoperability between Nortel and Pannaway, which was announced earlier this month, enables compatible SIP-based communication and E911 call-handling between Nortel’s DMS-10 platform and Pannaway’s Service Convergence Network (SCN) access system. This interoperable solution will enable Empire Telephone to preserve its existing DMS-10 investments as it migrates toward new IP packet-based triple-play services, the companies noted in a press statement.

"As we transition our subscriber base to VoIP, it is absolutely critical that we have the ability to provide advanced calling and safety features such as E911 and Lifeline support,” said Joseph Gottwald, CO engineer and ISP manager for Empire Telephone. “Interoperability between Nortel's DMS-10 and Pannaway's SCN will allow us to offer necessary Primary Line VoIP in addition to premier video and data services using a single solution.”

Pannaway’s Primary Line VoIP system uses SIP within its IP broadband loop carrier and intelligent CPE devices. In the event of a power outage, it works in conjunction with Nortel’s DMS-10 to provide automatic failover to a remotely powered backup VoIP-enabled DLC. This patent-pending failover mechanism ensures that Lifeline calling and E911 services are always available without the need for battery backup or multiple phone numbers to the home.

“Nortel’s DMS-10 is the most widely deployed voice switching platform in the rural ILEC community,” said Rob Scheible, senior manager of carrier multimedia networks at Nortel. “Interoperability with technology innovators like Pannaway provides rural telcos with a seamless solution for transitioning their existing TDM architectures to IP-packet and SIP-based networks capable of supporting next-generation services.”

Kevin Brown, vice president of marketing for Pannaway, agreed that its platform’s interoperability with Nortel is a primary benefit to rural LECs. “Our Primary Line Certification Program was designed to validate multivendor interoperability, which simplifies the deployment process for ILECs ensuring they experience a smooth and rapid transition from legacy TDM to IP-packet and SIP based networking,” he said.

Empire Telephone Corp. www.empiretelephone.com
Nortel Networks www.nortel.com
Pannaway Technologies www.pannaway.com

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