Engin opens ISP channel

Broadband phone company engin has opened an ISP channel, signing a deal that would see ISP aaNet offer VoIP services to its 21,000 subscribers.

The announcement follows aaNet's internal deployment of engin's Voice Box, a product that lets users make and receive calls from any landline or mobile phone over their broadband internet connection.

aaNet would also be offered wholesale rates for Voice Box as part of the deal.

Ilkka Tales, chief executive at engin, told iTnews the company would strike similar arrangements with other ISPs in the future. "We're keen to talk to as many ISPs as possible," he said.

Since launch last September, engin has operated through a retail channel, signing retail deals with Dick Smith Powerhouse, Tandy and Leading Edge Group.

Tales would not be drawn on how many units had been sold through these retailers.

However, the ASX-listed company was expected to make an announcement next week revealing unit shipment numbers.

The company's distribution channel was also being built up. Ingram Micro was expected to start stocking the product for the reseller channel next week, Tales said.

Engin also distributes through Roadhound.

aaNet's Voice Box deployment was claimed to have saved the ISP $8000 a month in telephony charges at its Queensland-based national call centre.

Engin claims Voice Box assists SMBs and households to reduce their phone bills by up to 40 percent.