Internet service provider AOL is teaming up with Covad (News - Alert) Communications to offer a high-bandwidth option for consumers looking to stem the losses in its dial-up connection business. Powered by Covad's ADSL 6.0 high-speed broadband access product, the latest AOL service will be available this summer for as low as $39.95 per month.

 

According to Covad officials, AOL High Speed with Covad ADSL marks a promising partnership while speaking to the consumers’ need for high-speed Internet access. "We view ADSL 6.0 as the first of many innovative Covad products that will help AOL capture consumers' growing interest in moving to broadband," said Charles Hoffman, Covad president and chief executive officer in a statement.

 

The partnership allows AOL to take advantage of the high-bandwidth market and offers a set of features, including 24/7 customer service, with access speeds of up to 768K upstream.

 

"Covad's ADSL 6.0 access product is another example of our flexible approach to meeting consumers' needs as they move to broadband," said Joe Redling, president of AOL's Access Business in a press release. "Covad's national broadband network, high quality products, and expertise in DSL make them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our coast-to-coast AOL High Speed offer with even more provider and access speed options."

 

The news follows Covad’s announcement to offer PBXi and PBXi Plus business-class VoIP customers unlimited domestic monthly minutes, up to 101,000 minutes per site.

 

Targeted for small businesses, Covad’s PBXi Plus easily integrates into business phone systems and runs over Covad's Voice-Optimized Access (VOA) T1 lines. Full e-911 service is included.

 

“With unlimited domestic monthly minutes, PBXi Plus becomes an even better fit for how small and medium businesses use VoIP,” said John Grady, director of product management for Covad.

 

The service plan upgrade automatically will be reflected in existing customer’s June invoices.

 

Reflecting on Covad’s challenges and opportunities within in the VoIP industry, Jim Kirkland, senior vice president for Strategic Development and general counsel for Covad Communications Group, Inc. will deliver his keynote speech entitled “Telcos: Can’t We All Just Get Along?” at this year’s GLOBALCOMM (News - Alert) event in Chicago.

 

As part of The Master Class Series, Kirkland will address key issues, such as

+ Building a Sustainable Business

+ Grappling with Technology

+ “Send Lawyers, Guns and Money” – dealing with changes in the regulatory environment.

 

"In its decade of existence, Covad has had to continuously evolve its business to respond to changes in the regulatory and business environment. This flexibility provides useful lessons for other network operators and their potential partners and competitors," said Kirkland.

 

TMC, along with the IMS Forum, will be hosting The IMS Party! Networking Event at GLOBALCOMM 2006. The event will be held in the Cadillac Club located at Soldier Field on Chicago's lakefront. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the IP Communications industry.