IceNet LLC.

• Position: Telecommunications - Voice over Internet protocol network

IceNet LLC has launched what it says is the first enterprise-class voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, VoiceWorks Network, to carry voice, data and video traffic over the Internet. The Dallas-based company claims to have more than 50,000 business customers, and promises companies that it can provide long-distance costs for half or less of conventional long-distance charges.

VoIP has been gaining significant momentum in recent months with both businesses and consumers--though IceNet plans to focus only on selling through providers such as Internet service providers (ISPs), cable companies, value-added resellers, local telephone exchanges and energy/utility companies. This last group would be the most uncertain, since service would be contingent on them distributing broadband through power lines.

IceNet President William Stapleton said in an interview that the technology is provided by a network backbone with 25 gateways and 130 POPs (post office protocols), which will allow existing PBX (business exchange) customers to migrate to a hosted PBX environment. The company's initial targets among ISPs, cable and local phone exchanges would be smaller or mid-sized firms that would choose not to develop such technology themselves, but would sell it to...