C&W to Revamp its Voicemail in Time for GSM

In creating its new GSM/GPRS network, Cable & Wireless (West Indies) is putting SS8 Networks technology to use consolidating voicemail platforms from 11 island locations down to three. The near US$1 million arrangement will enable the carrier to significantly reduce its capex and opex, increase flexibility and customer responsiveness, and boost network efficiency.

Before involving SS8 Networks, Cable & Wireless was faced with the challenge of how to provide voicemail services on the two mobile networks - the existing TDMA network and the new GSM/GPRS network. This potentially would have required separate voicemail systems - an expensive proposition that would have left extensive amounts of infrastructure unused. But with the innovative design solution created by SS8 Networks, Cable & Wireless can operate a single voicemail solution on a combined platform.

"Cable & Wireless wanted to build upon its existing voicemail infrastructure, and SS8 Networks demonstrated a great deal of flexibility and initiative in creating the optimum solution," said Cable & Wireless (West Indies) Vice President for Regional Operations West Peter Jones. "Knowing that they had the capability to do what we needed while saving us money and hassle in the process made installing the SS8 Networks platform an easy decision to make."

"What we're doing in the Caribbean is a perfect example of our breadth of capability," said SS8 Networks President and CEO Grant Wakelin. "Our voicemail system supports access on virtually any type of network, bridging TDMA and GSM technologies as well as operating seamlessly between the two worlds of TDM and IP."

Following the consolidation, the primary systems will be located in Barbados, Jamaica, and The Cayman Islands. By providing Cable & Wireless with a smaller voicemail system footprint, SS8 Networks will be helping the company to reduce capex and administration costs while improving its efficiency."

Posted to the site on 23rd April 2003