T-Systems, a division of the Deutsche Telekom Group and a provider of information and communications technology in Europe, has awarded Sonus Networks a multimillion-dollar contract for the worldwide expansion of its business VoIP network.

The companies say they are building one of the world's largest business VoIP services networks designed for large to medium enterprise customers globally. T-Systems also will use Sonus to deliver a new global peering service.

Expanding on their three-year relationship, the new gear will help T-Systems extend its services around the globe. The VoIP provider will expand the network initially throughout Europe and North America, with other regions to follow. It will add enhanced services such as global voice virtual private network service, International Service Telephony, Voice Interactive Portal and IP Voicenet Services.

The T-Systems deployment will include Sonus’ new GSX4000 Open Services Switch, the GSX9000 Open Service Switch, the Network Border Switch, the PSX Call Routing Server and the Sonus Insight Management System.

Today, Sonus also joined EarthLink, Google, Level 3, Pulver.com, Skype, USA Datanet and others in an initiative to raise awareness of and help educate consumers about the benefits of voice services delivered over the Internet. The Internet Voice Campaign, is part of The VON Coalition.

A May 2005 Telecommunications Report by Harris Interactive found that among consumers who are aware of Internet voice, 36 % don't know enough about the service to consider using it. Thirty-eight percent know about it, but remain unconvinced of its worthiness and 23% said they were willing to listen to recommendations. E-911, privacy and security also ranked as barriers to adopting VoIP.

The Internet Voice Campaign will begin a consumer awareness campaign layer this year that articulates the benefits and features of Internet voice coupled with consumer messages about cost and ease of use.