Telecom Cook Islands Sticks with REDCOM for Next-Gen Softswitch Solution

Telecom Cook Islands’ switch over from a REDCOM (News - Alert) Medium Density Exchange softswitch to a new High Density Exchange solution from the same supplier has begun.

The new switch was installed successfully in Aitutaki, which is one of the Cook Islands, and has a population of around 2,000. The Cook Islands are a collection of 15 small islands in the South Pacific and are close to New Zealand.

“Random dial tests to numbers have been made, and tested ok,” TCI Manager of Exchanges Carl Framhein was quoted as saying in one report. “Test calls were also made to all hotels or businesses that were open on Sunday. We will continue to keep testing. The next major milestone starts tomorrow, when we begin to disconnect the old exchange physically from the racks.”

One of the hallmarks of REDCOM’s HDX softswitch is its flexibility to address dynamic consumer demands and support value-added telecommunications services.

“HDX is a cost-effective overlay on our existing network and is a solid migration path to next- generation services,” says CEO Jules Maher. “This is an investment in the future and the quality of our advanced communications services for our customers. With the installation of the new switch, we can quickly and easily introduce new services to our customers without the need for further investment in hardware and operations.

“The REDCOM HDX softswitch was chosen as it interoperates with a wide range of protocols and interfaces such as the cellular network, and requires only a fraction of the power needed to drive the switch it’s replacing, so it is a ‘greener’ switch,” continues Maher. “Telecom’s investment in this new switch is approximately $400,000 and should provide a confidence boost for the Aitutaki economy.”