Telecom network operator Sprint will provide VoIP
services to cable operator Mediacom Communications
under a multi-year deal announced today. Financial terms were
not disclosed.
For the last year, Sprint has been pushing its VoIP services so cable
companies can offer the voice-video-data bundles.
The “triple-play” packages are increasingly popular with customers and allow
and cable companies to compete with telecom rivals offering their own
version of the packages.
“Cable operators . . . can stay focused on delivering what their customers
demand — quality communications and entertainment services — while Sprint
provides telecommunications services, including project development, network
design and implementation,” Howard E. Janzen, president of Sprint business
solutions, said in a statement.
This is Sprint’s third such agreement with a cable provider. Previously, it inked
agreements with Time Warner Cable, a nationwide cable giant, and USA Cos., a
Nebraska company.
As in earlier contracts, Sprint will help Mediacom with provisioning,
switching and termination of traffic to the public switched telephone
network, delivery of enhanced 911 emergency service, local number
portability and operator and directory services.
Among other features, Mediacom’s VoIP telephone service will include caller
ID with name, call waiting, call forwarding and voicemail.
Mediacom anticipates launching telephone service in selected markets in the
first half of 2005. The firm was founded in 1995 and serves 1.5 million television
and broadband subscribers in 23 states.