Genband, a provider of real-time communications solutions, has announced a partnership with Vodafone Fiji to deploy a hosted solution that delivers next-generation cloud/unified communications (UC) services across the Pacific, initially targeting Kiribati as a customer market, although with scope for expansion to various other nations. Designed as an enhancement and 'virtual upgrade' to Kiribati's fixed and mobile network infrastructure, the already fully operational deployment leverages the Genband Application Server and Kandy Business Solutions for enhanced cloud-based applications, a press release notes. This hybrid offer enables Vodafone Fiji to deliver hosted UC services via satellite links to Kiribati through local provider Amalgamated Telecoms Holdings Kiribati Limited (ATHKL). Andrew Kumar, Vodafone Fiji CTO, said: 'By deploying this new solution, we're empowering remote Pacific nations and their communities with access to advanced real-time contextual communications.' Genband has provided Vodafone Fiji with enhanced SIP Trunking services, voice over satellite, local media anchoring and PRI gateways. Vodafone Fiji leverages Genband's Application Server to deliver country-specific hosted billing from its Suva base while web collaboration, auto-attendant, voicemail and WebRTC applications are provided via Kandy Business Solutions.
Kiribati customers can access mobile, UC services or SIP Trunk connectivity via the pre-paid system, acquiring only the services they need. Additionally, ATHKL can now provide PBXs to corporate clients without investing in on-premises infrastructure, delivering greater flexibility and advanced features cost-effectively.