BOSTON--Sonus Networks announced at Fall VON 2005 that it is demonstrating voice over wireless broadband capabilities over Motorola’s Canopy wireless broadband system. The demonstration involves the Sonus GSX family, the ASX Access Server, PSX Call Routing Server and the SGX Signaling Gateway, along with the Canopy system. Strategic relationships between vendors of VoIP gear and vendors of broadband wireless access systems appear to have begun in earnest. Earlier this summer, VoIP applications player Broadsoft teamed up with Soma Networks.

The teaming of Sonus and Motorola for the VON demonstration is a progression of an existing relationship between the two companies, said Bruce Trvalik, director of IMS strategy at Sonus Networks. He said making voice possible as an application over the Canopy system wasn’t terribly difficult. “That’s one of the beauties of VoIP in general, that with standards in place, it’s an overlay that works like an other service over that system. It’s a pretty natural extension.” Sonus officials said the demand for voice over wireless broadband service is result of the convergence of two other solutions in demand--VoIP and WiMAX. “The bottom line for all kinds of carriers is they will need voice over broadband,” Trvalik said.

“Carriers, ISPs, and enterprises are eagerly embracing wireless solutions to address rapid network deployment needs, particularly in those areas where building physical connections are expensive or challenging,” added Tom Gruba, director of marketing for Motorola’s Canopy wireless broadband business.