KINGSTON UPON HULL, U.K. -- Kingston Communications is migrating to a full IP enabled network after becoming the first service provider in the UK mainland to deploy Marconi's next generation switching product, SoftSwitch.

The nationwide rollout of Marconi's SoftSwitch will form the basis of Kingston's next-generation broadband services network, which will take Kingston between five and 10 years to fully implement.

Its deployment follows completion of a successful pilot trial and will allow Kingston to migrate its voice, video and data services onto a single, IP-based network.

As well as enhancing the capacity of Kingston's existing network, the deployment will reduce costs and open up the possibility of new revenue-generating broadband services.

"By migrating to an IP platform we will be able to meet increased demand for converged services by running voice, data and entertainment services over the same network," says Neil Gower, Managing Director of Kingston Communications Infrastructure Services, which will overlay the new technology over its existing System X switching network.

"This is a market driven technology. Its deployment marks our first step towards next generation networking."

As well as reducing operational expenses and capital expenditure, the new platform will cut environmental costs, primarily because the space and power needed to run the new network are 10% of an equivalent System X.

"By deploying Marconi's SoftSwitch, we will be able to future-proof our network," adds Mark Dalziel, Director of Network Strategy at Kingston Communications. "It will also bring greater resilience through distributed processing - and ultimately wider penetration via a multi-route IP core."

As Mark Dalziel points out, the new IP network will also benefit customers. "Because it offers the potential for a managed IP Centrex capability, it's ideal for companies that do not want to invest in capital intensive hardware," he says.

"As well as allowing them to set up virtual call centres, it will enable them to take advantage of features such as unified messaging, application sharing, desk to desk video conferencing and CTI applications."

Under the terms of the agreement, Marconi will supply eight SoftSwitch zones across the national network, with Kingston managing the transition from its legacy network to the new platform.

Kingston will also install the dedicated IP core for VoIP traffic. Once built, this will provide a 'class 4' PSTN transit network, providing relief to the existing System X infrastructure. "Marconi's SoftSwitch was developed to help operators such as Kingston reduce costs and increase revenues, important issues for telecommunications companies building tomorrow's network infrastructures. Where Kingston is going today, others will follow," said Rod Smith, European Vice President (EVP) of Marconi's Northern European operations.

"This week is also a significant time for Kingston's implementation, coinciding with the centenary of Marconi's switching activities in Liverpool, where SoftSwitch is developed."

Kingston Communications

Marconi Corp. plc