Following Vodacom’s Voice over LTE announcement last week, Nashua is now introducing a low cost IP-based telephony service. Called Nashua Voice, the products will be available from April 2015 at selected franchises.

According to the company, Nashua Voice enables customers to make and receive calls via landline or mobile phone, whether based locally or internationally, via a carrier-grade next-generation IP network. It also offers the improved ability to record calls and host conference calls.

The company further states that Nashua Voice cuts costs by routing all call types and invoicing at pure per second billing, with no minimum call charges. Web access via Nashua’s Telephone Management System is also provided for real-time monitoring and cost reporting down to extension level.

Some additional services are said to include Virtual Boardroom (a free teleconferencing service where participants are responsible for their own call costs), and Virtual Fax and Virtual Access (an additional cost saving for owners of 0860 Share Call numbers).

Nashua notes that the system integrates with traditional PABXs, allowing businesses to opt for a phased migration to a full IP solution when and if required. Options using Wi-Fi or fibre are also available. The service is backed by Nashua’s support services, including technicians, a 24/7 regional help-desks and monitoring by the Network Operations Centre (NOC).

The company hinted that future offerings might go further than just voice, with Nashua executive head of marketing, Lucinde de Lange noting, “In an increasingly digital world where communications are often reduced to emails and instant messages, the value of face to face interaction – especially in business – can’t be discounted. This is why our future value-added services will go well beyond voice.”