Nortel secures $300 VoIP contract

Nortel has secured a $300 million contract to provide the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) with an IP telephony systems. It will be one of the largest VoIP implementations in the world.

The 10 year contract is part of SSA’s Telephone Systems Replacement Project. Nortel will replace the SSA’s existing telephone systems with VOIP, creating a converged voice and data network.

The SSA is updating its technology in preparation for an expected increase in new users, with more people reaching retirement age who are comfortable with using the Internet.

Nortel will provide its technology to nearly 1,600 SSA field offices and a 55,000-agent contact centre with unified messaging and interactive voice-response capabilities.

A high level of security will be required to protect citizen’s information and provide support for disabled users in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The network is also expected to help SSA expand and improve service levels while providing cost advantages with reduced operating and maintenance costs.