Westell Technologies, Inc. said Tuesday that it has acquired from Hughes Electronics Corporation (“Hughes”) a license for DirecTV Broadband, Inc.’s VoIP technology. Hughes closed its DirecTV Broadband operations in 2003.
The agreement permits Westell to accelerate its ability to offer new VoIP products, services management systems and managed services to service providers.
The agreement includes a two-year exclusive license for hardware and software for the DSL VoIP customer premises equipment and, back office subscriber management systems, as well as a non-exclusive license under two-dozen patent-pending innovations. The agreement excludes satellite applications.
“Our customers are increasingly seeking ways to offer more value-added services and built-in capabilities such as managed firewall, parental control and VoIP on our modems,” said Van Cullens, Westell President and CEO. “Additionally, service providers are looking for ways to reduce their operating costs related to managing the millions of DSL modems installed,” said Cullens.
Westell’s products already provide high-speed DSL data connectivity and video distribution. The Hughes’ DTVBI technology accelerates Westell’s ability to offer service providers a complete, manageable DSL broadband solution including voice support.
“Building on our industry leading modems and superior core competencies surrounding DSL, we can now efficiently enhance the capabilities of our current products already supporting high-speed broadband access, video and WiFi, to include Voice over IP (VoIP) in a managed environment,” said Gordon Reichard Jr., Westell Vice President of Marketing.
“This agreement will permit Westell the ability to offer service providers a complete package of Four Essential Capabilities — Voice, Video, Data and Wireless,” Reichard added.
