XConnect (News - Alert) has announced a trial of the first IP peering federation specifically for service providers capable of offering high-definition voice services.

 

HD Federation will provide scalable, secure all-IP Interconnection using ENUM Technology in order to enable cross-network, end-to-end Traffic between service providers.

 

The trial, open to qualified operators, waives sign-up and monthly fees for its April-June duration. Multiple providers using the G.722 wideband codec will be able to test the interoperability, scalable interconnection, reliability and support of XConnect federation services. Using wideband codecs, HD achieves a wider frequency range, providing almost the clarity of face-to-face conversation.

 

HD voice is being adopted increasingly by fixed, mobile and Web 2.0 telecom service providers, as it delivers a richer audio experience than the PSTN. One factor that will drive up demand for a federated service is the ability to download high-definition Skype (News - Alert) onto smartphones. However, for HD to work across networks, the entire call path and endpoints themselves must support high definition. XConnect’s solution gives SPs a simple way to address this challenge.

 

“The mass-market adoption of high-definition voice and other new IP services demands trusted, scalable cross-network interconnection. Service providers are eager for a solution,” said XConnect CEO Eli Katz (News - Alert). “We look forward to working with the industry to help bring the benefits of HD voice to these operators and the consumer and enterprise markets they serve.”

 

Jeff Rodman, Polycom (News - Alert) co-founder and CTO, said: “Because voice is the most critical way that we communicate, the significantly improved sound quality of HD voice is an important step in making communication clearer and more effective.”

 

Trial participants will form a private peering community under the Private Alliance feature of XConnect's Global Alliance, which combines ENUM-registry and multimedia interconnection hub services. For more information visit www.xconnect.net/hd-trial.