Planet Telecom might not be the biggest name in the telecom business, but thanks to its technological achievements it is providing cutting-edge solutions to clients worldwide.

“We specialize in helping companies with the convergence of voice and data networks and have been offering a wide range of exciting telecommunications solutions since 1997,” says company president Dave Veilleux.

Convergence allows the cost-effective use of modern technologies like Voice over IP (VoIP) with existing or new connections.

Planet Telecom’s approach is to offer solutions and services to best fit the individual needs of its clients. High quality and cost- effective communications are ensured and clients can accurately measure and manage their real time voice and data usage and check their overall network performance.

You can enjoy phone, fax and Internet anywhere with the help of Planet Telecom.

Planet Telecom’s solutions are being used extensively by Canadian businesses. The company has also developed a worldwide presence, since VoIP can bring telephone service to areas that have little traditional telephone infrastructure.

For example in Africa, Planet Telecom operates voice systems that use the Internet to connect to the Planet Telecom network and onwards to the call destinations.

In some countries the company also partners with local companies to operate systems there, for example in Romania, Moldova and Kenya.

“Working in so many environments has made us think in different ways, solving not only the technological and social issues, but also coming up with innovative ways to preserve capital for our clients and greatly expand the range of services we are offering,” says Veilleux.

One interesting option available is the remote ‘local’ phone number from any city in Canada.

A remote ‘local’ phone number is just like having a phone with a really long cord. For example, a Toronto phone number actually rings wherever this phone is currently installed – Edmonton, Yellowknife or the North Pole, and all calls from and to Toronto are still local calls.

To enable its business, Planet Telecom is combining its own VoIP technology strengths with those of custom applications, such as the advanced business-management and web systems developed with the Edmonton software firm HiQSoft Inc.

One of the latest Planet Telecom services is PlanetAccess, which provides phone lines, fax lines and Internet in remote locations using a single satellite connection.

“VoIP technology is helping businesses save money and is also a new way to attract and retain the best employees,” Veilleux emphasizes.

“Happy employees are more productive and having a ‘local’ phone number available to keep in touch with loved ones makes the remote assignments much easier to bear. Cost-effective, flat-rate telephone access is an exciting new benefit that all employers could use.”

The Planet Telecom network makes it easy to be connected.

A simple example is a PC in a hotel lobby.

With Planet Telecom’s solution in place, the hotel can profitably resell prepaid access in $5, $10 or $20 denominations and also offer ‘free’ Internet service to VIP guests. Network outlets in the hotel rooms can work the same way.

More complex situations do occur, often in the Canadian north. In one case in northern B.C., a satellite dish and generator are installed 500 metres from a mining camp across a lake with an unobstructed southern view to the satellite.

A wireless connection then brings the Internet, phone and fax service into the camp for the office, and the executives.

The camp workers have Internet access, voice and fax services prepaid and in some cases using payroll deduction or credit card.

Savings in the neighborhood of 90 per cent are possible when compared to the costs of direct satellite phones or fixed cellular installations, if they are even available.

Veilleux says that in most cases it is neither difficult nor expensive to get connected.

“With an existing network connection, we can often just add one or more lines with local numbers from any city in Canada and have it up and running in one day. If there is no connection yet, it will take a bit longer, but we like the challenge.” Planet Telecom enjoys providing the best solutions to fit the needs of its Canadian and international clients. For more information on Planet Telecom call toll free 1-866-296-7771 ext. 21 or check out their website at www.PlanetTelecom.ca