VoIP Now

Unlimitel is a multi-service telecommunications company celebrating its 10th year of service to Canadian residents and businesses. It offers a whole range of voice over internet protocol solutions, h3from “a la Carte” service, to IP-PBX solutions for large enterprises, to VoIP reselling and server co-location.

Unlimitel recently teamed up with PIKA Technologies, Inc. to produce the PIKA Appliance for Asterisk. Unlimitel’s involvement creating this open-source, flexible replacement for key service units demonstrates its commitment to providing quality, customizable solutions in the IT communications world.

Installation and Interface

Any customer can use a SIP compatible ATA, but Unlimitel recommends use of the Mediatrix 2102 as a VoIP gateway for residential and micro enterprise solutions. This gateway features carrier-grade voice quality, SNMP and web management, and encrypted figuration files support.

For large enterprises, Unlimitel recommends its hosted IP-PBX services. Large companies can easily use this private branch exchange solution, Unlimitel sends the VoIP adapters and the company is ready to use its new telephone system. Land line numbers are a snap to transfer, allowing seamless integration to the new VoIP system.

Features

Unlimitel provides voice over internet protocol solutions for residential customers, small businesses, large businesses, and VoIP service resellers.

Long distance rates in Canada and the U.S. are cheap, and are even cheaper within Unlimitel’s service network. On-network per-minute rates go down with the number of minutes called.

Features like unified voicemail, programmable call blocking, call forwarding, and 911 emergency services come standard with all phones. Large enterprises can take advantage of a voice menu professionally recorded in English and in French.

Unlimitel allows resellers to process calls on its IP-PBX backbone. This is a G.711 service that allows resellers to control all customer features from the company’s server. Even a customer who doesn’t take service with Unlimitel can benefit from their inexpensive toll-free numbers. Toll-free numbers can be set up to forward to a customer’s line with another service, providing a convenient point of contact for customers or distant friends and family.

Performance

Unlimitel is the first to offer the PIKA Appliance for Asterisk. It is an open-source and customizable replacement for specialized key service units commonly used to manage and provide power to voice system software. The unit can accommodate up to 100 trunks and telephones. It is highly flexible and customizable.

Unlimitel worked closely with PIKA to ensure the appliance could include a comprehensive set of features that includes, among other things, easy field serviceability and power-fail transfer ability on analog trunks.

Use of this device provides Unlimitel with a PBX replacement that will not only expand its own business, but will help grow its resellers’ business as well. The PIKA is customizable enough to be private labeled, allowing resellers to standout in a crowded marketplace.

Service and Support

Unlimitel’s web site offers a variety of FAQ, troubleshooting, and installation support. In addition, it has customer support numbers in nine different cities. Its administration and sales office number is also listed, as is are the email address for the wholesale manager and general inquiries.

List of Features Available on Unlimitel

Support: Yes Guarantee: No Residential Plan: Yes Small Business Plan: Yes 411 Service: Yes 911 Service: Yes

Call Return (*69): Included Call Waiting: Included Caller ID: Included Click-to-Call: No Fax Line (FoIP): Email-in Only International Calling: Yes

IP PBX Solution: Yes Keep Your Number: Yes PC-to-PC Calling: No PC-to-Phone Calling: No Virtual Phone Numbers: Available