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NetComm and GOTalk bring VoIP to consumers


Julia Talevski, ARN


05/10/2005 11:56:09


VoIP service provider, GOTalk Broadband Voice, is looking to break into the VoIP consumer market through a new co-branding product deal with NetComm.


The companies will offer market entry-level and mid-range VoIP products and packages that include pre-paid and post-paid broadband services, according to GOTalk CEO, Steve Picton.


"We think the consumer market is ready for VoIP," he said. "Rather than just launching a service, we have allowed consumers to bundle it with a range of other services like a phone line, broadband connection and GSM mobile."


As a result of the new agreement, Picton said he hoped GOTalk would be able to increase its customer base from 500 to 10,000 by the end of next year. Resellers would have access to these products and packages through NetComm's distributors including Ingram Micro, LAN Systems, TodayTech and IT Wholesale.


NetComm managing director, David Stewart, said the partnership provided it with a good avenue into the retail sector.


"With the continuing deployment of broadband ADSL, there will be a growing number of people hopping on to VoIP," he said.


The two companies plan to release seven broadband products together. Three will be available initially: the GTV100 and GTV300 VoIP adapters, and the GTNB5 ADSL modem/router.


GOTalk has already formed a relationship with Harvey Norman for these products and was looking to sign up other major retailers.


The company, a division of Telecorp, is also planning to include wireless and memory stick solutions in its product range.