Rolls-Royce has signed a seven-year contract worth US$20m (£11m) to transform its phone network into a single network providing voice over IP services (VoIP).

The provider of power systems and services around the world hopes to improve its communications and cut call costs for its 26,500 global users initially.

The global voice network will provide Rolls-Royce with comprehensive voice calling services, unified voice, fax and e-mail messaging.

It will also provide a platform for the future introduction of advanced mobility services for communications and collaboration virtually anytime and anywhere.

IT purchasing director Jim Reed said: ‘We wanted to transform and simplify the network and telephony infrastructure.

‘It delivers a highly comprehensive and competitive managed service as well as the ability to build large, reliable networks for delivery of new services.’

Nortel will initially provide the network to Rolls-Royce staff in the UK, US, Canada, Norway, Germany and France.

It will design, integrate and deploy IP telephony equipment and software, along with management and maintenance of both the existing TDM-based network and the new VoIP network.

Rolls-Royce also implemented service level agreements for the response and resolution of maintenance, which includes remote fault monitoring, customer reporting and service management.

Rolls-Royce provides services to about 600 airlines, 4000 corporate and utility aircraft operators and armed forces. It employs more than 36,000 in 120 counties.

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