National broadband trailblazer Internode has launched NodePhone2, its second generation VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that offers low-cost calls with the quality of a traditional telephone service.

NodePhone2 stands above ordinary VoIP services due to its high call quality. All NodePhone® calls travel on Internode's first tier, fully redundant, private national network. By using a client/server architecture and Quality of Service (QoS) network management, Internode guarantees customers the same call quality as a traditional phone service.

The NodePhone2 kick-off comes 18 months after the successful launch of Internode's outbound-only NodePhone1 VoIP service. NodePhone2 both receives and makes calls.

Internode NodePhone product manager Jim Kellett said NodePhone2 was suitable for both business and residential customers. "A lot of customers have already come to Internode after bad experiences with low-quality VoIP services," he said.

"People are recognising that they want more from a phone call than just a cheap price. They want quality so they can hear the person on the other end of the line - quality is vital for business. NodePhone® provides major cost savings today, but over time, we expect that cost will become less of a driver for choosing VoIP - quality, reliability, convenience and new features such as integrated voicemail/email will be the drivers."

"What makes NodePhone® different is that it is not a best-effort service - it guarantees quality. Because calls travel over Internode’s private IP network, they are not subject to the vagaries of Internet performance, so there are no 'bad hair' days. NodePhone® gives customers access to a premium quality telephone service, without the premium price tag."

This second generation service includes all of the features and benefits of NodePhone1, including for 18-cent untimed calls to any standard fixed telephone service in Australia. NodePhone2 extends the service by enabling customers to receive calls directly from the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), without the need for a PSTN access service.

Additionally, NodePhone2 includes a sophisticated voicemail system that can be integrated with email, and has no additional voice mail usage charges.

Both services continue to save money for customers with free NodePhone-to-NodePhone® calls, and extremely competitive rates for calls to mobiles and overseas. The feature-rich NodePhone® web portal enables customers to conveniently manage their service attributes such as speed dial, caller ID, call control and call forwarding; as well as access itemised billing information and call history.

Mr. Kellett said NodePhone2 was a natural extension of Internode’s VoIP product range, which had further developments in the pipeline. "NodePhone1 has proved to thousands of our customers that VoIP can be a simple and useful service, and save significant money," he said.

"As well as residential customers, many businesses have adopted NodePhone® as they appreciate not only the cost savings, but also demand consistently high quality and reliability. NodePhone® is designed and engineered to match traditional phone services in call quality, provide the customer with more features at greater convenience and still deliver significant cost savings."

NodePhone2 is available in two usage plans to suit individual calling requirements, and the NodePhone1 outbound-only service will continue to be available. An extension to NodePhone1, called MultiLine, facilitates the connection of larger businesses with IP PBX phone systems.

About Internode

Internode is a first tier IP carrier committed to using broadband technology to redefine the national telecommunications environment. The Australian-owned company is a trailblazer that delivers the cost and convenience of broadband telecommunications to individuals and businesses throughout Australia.

NodePhone is a registered trademark of Internode Pty Ltd.