U.S. Defense Department Moves Closer to Voice-Over-IP

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In a move that both validates the technology underlying Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and promises to help advance it, especially in terms of security, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a step toward developing its own, privately managed VoIP system. Nortel Networks recently received a contract worth up to US$20 million to migrate the department’s network to one that, through installation of new software and other upgrades, will be able to support VoIP.

A key consideration was doing away with private control of the phone networks that the DoD relies upon, though the system was also designed to avoid completely scrapping existing phone and data networks. Testing has been completed and that the rollout is expected to give DoD more flexibility, better control of its own communications needs and provide long-term cost benefits. Previously, the ability of the current DSN system to respond to any given crisis could be restricted because it is managed by telecom companies, and not under direct governmental control. The project will result in a new, multifunction switching capability fully contained with the agency that will enable it to prioritize traffic based on urgency, and eventually enable it to consolidate voice, data and video conferencing.

More details about this move and its expected effects on VoIP adoption can be found in the E-Commerce News article: Defense Department Adopts VOIP Technology