China Network Systems launches cable-based VoIP

China Network Systems Co (中嘉網路), a multiple-system operator, yesterday officially launched its voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) phone service, becoming the first operator to integrate digital cable broadcasting, broadband Internet access and VoIP in one cable modem.

With the "Triple Play" service, subscribers of China Network can pay NT$299 per month for a cable modem with a speed of 384/128k, the same rate charged by Chunghwa Telecom Co (中華電信) for its 128/64k Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband service.

The service is now available in Taipei County, and a trial was launched on month ago for about 3,000 of China Network's cable broadcast service subscribers in the region, said Gary Tsai (蔡俊榮), vice president of China Network.

Currently, there is no per-call charge on top of the monthly fee.

The firm's rate policy for calls will be made in accordance with feedback from users, and will be revealed in the next three to six months after a significant amount of customers have signed up, Tsai said.

China Network plans to invest NT$5 billion to build infrastructure throughout the nation for the three-in-one service, and targets expanding it to southern Taiwan, with a goal of acquiring 200,000 subscribers by the end of the year, he said.