Binatone to manufacture Freshtel VoIP hardware

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 08 February 2006 21:07

Business IT - Technology

VoIP technology developer and service provider, Freshtel Holdings has signed an agreement with the Hong Kong based Binatone Telecom Group to co-develop and deliver Internet telephone hardware that will be sold with Freshtel's Internet telephony services to the global mass market.

The agreement will see Freshtel provide to Binatone the software technology and electronic hardware design required to manufacture Internet telephone hardware and software. Binatone will assume responsibility for the funding, manufacture and distribution of the hardware to its existing customer base. Freshtel will receive a share of all sales revenue from the sale of hardware. Binatone will earn a share in call termination revenue generated on any Freshtel service launched with Binatone customers introduced to Freshtel.

"Binatone, is a key player in the UK and Europe and this year will enter the US and Indian telecommunications markets. This agreement opens the doors for Freshtel to offer its Internet telephony solutions to Binatone's major customer base in over 44 countries around the world, including some of the world's largest retailers such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour in Europe," said Michael Carew, CEO, Freshtel Holdings.

Carew added: "This is also a significant strategic step for Freshtel, because it demonstrates that we are not seeking to become the manufacturer of these products. We are bringing in world leaders to do that. Our capital will be deployed on the development of products and in the rollout of our networks and services globally."

Binatone was established in 1988 and claims to be the world's second largest digital cordless phone manufacturer and to hold a 25 percent share of the telephone handset market across the UK and Europe. It supplies products to international retailers and major telecommunications providers including Telecom Italia and Deutsche Telekom.