BT To Deploy Global MPLS Network For VoIP

BT will spend $20.9 million (£12 million) over the next two years to deploy a global multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network infrastructure to support voice over IP (VoIP).

Part of its 21CN, or 21st century network, initiative, the company's plan is to completely replace its current time division multiplexing (TDM) infrastructure with a MPLS network spanning more than 30 countries. BT says that the new network will allow it to handle large volumes of traffic while delivering new advanced services to customers.

It will support a wide range of hosted or premises-based voice and multimedia applications, while providing ease of integration with existing servers and a standard application interface. The network is already available in twelve countries. BT Global Services IP Networking president Tom Craig says that the new network will provide its benefits "at better value" to customers.

"A single integrated voice platform with MPLS enables customers to leverage the true benefits of globalization, avoiding the complexities and overheads of a patch-worked networking environment," Craig said in a statement. "The investment also allows BT to easily integrate all of its global networks to achieve improved cost control and customer integration to convergence."