Covad's Line-Powered Voice Service Rolled Out by EarthLink in Seattle, Dallas and San Francisco
Monday February 6, 9:23 am ET
EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service Is a VoIP-Based Consumer Alternative Powered by Covad's Innovative Technology and Nationwide Broadband Network
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2006--Covad Communications Group, Inc. (AMEX:DVW - News), a leading national provider of integrated voice and data communications, today announces the support of EarthLink's (NASDAQ:ELNK - News) rollout of line-powered voice, a VoIP-based voice and data bundle for consumers. EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service is now available in Seattle, Dallas and San Francisco.
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"Covad's line-powered voice is a revolutionary consumer VoIP alternative that works just like the old phone company -- only better," said Charles Hoffman, president and CEO of Covad Communications. "Covad is particularly excited about our partnership with EarthLink, a company that offers tremendous nationwide brand recognition and boasts a well-deserved reputation of trust with consumers."
"It's simple: this partnership allows consumers to fire their phone company and sign up for the high-quality, low-cost voice and broadband solution that they deserve," said Steve Howe, EarthLink's vice president of voice services.
Line-powered voice does not require a broadband connection or additional consumer premise equipment. Customers use their existing analog phone equipment and in-house jack. Customers will enjoy high quality service because their calls will be delivered over Covad's managed national network, rather than the public Internet. As with traditional voice service, the line is powered from the central office (CO), so a power failure will not disrupt service. Full e-911 service is also included. EarthLink will be offering this service to consumers as part of a broadband bundle.
Line-powered voice is made possible by next-generation Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) that Covad has been market testing in three cities: Seattle, Dallas and San Francisco. This equipment also allows Covad to offer ADSL2+ (which delivers much higher bandwidth than ADSL) in the future. Covad's strategy is to seek out strategic partners to fund the necessary network upgrades for expansion of line-powered voice into additional markets. |
