IP telephony, enabled by softswitches, is going to usher in a new telecom era. By putting voice and data over one IP network, operators can enjoy lower costs and create new, revenue-generating 'multimedia' services. What are the advantages of IP Telephony? New entrants to the communications service provider sector must provide data services as well as voice. VoIP dispenses with the need to build two separate networks. Offering a bundled package of services over one network means greater efficiency and higher margins. With broadband fixed and mobile access becoming more prevalent, service...