LAS VEGAS -- World Wide Packets, the premier solutions provider for optical broadband connectivity, and AG Communication Systems, developer of advanced network-based communications solutions, today announced a product partnership under which the two companies will jointly market a complete Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution for fiber deployments. By integrating the two companies’ solutions, converged voice, video and data can be delivered simultaneously over packet-based networks, resulting in significant revenue opportunities and long-term cost savings for service providers. In turn, subscribers receive next-generation, toll-quality voice service with an integrated solution.

As part of the non-exclusive LightningEdge™ Certified Product Partner agreement, the two companies will offer service providers the iMerge™ Network-based Call Signaling Gateway (NCSG) from AG Communication Systems and the LightningEdge family of products from World Wide Packets as an integrated solution. Targeted service providers include multiple service operators, cable television operators, local exchange carriers, greenfield real estate developers, utilities and municipalities.

The two companies will unveil an interactive demonstration of these products at the National Association of Broadcasters 2001 trade show in Las Vegas, April 23-26. The working demonstration will show the simultaneous delivery of full-featured voice, high-speed data and video services over fiber.

“Access networks are ready for toll-quality digital voice service, and service providers are starting to see the distinct advantages in convergence of all services over packet-based networks,” said Bernard Daines, president and CEO of World Wide Packets. “By integrating our two solutions, subscribers will receive full-featured, packet-based delivery of high-quality telephony, data and video.”

World Wide Packets Inc.