BT and AT&T sign telepresence interoperability pact

BT and AT&T have signed a deal to allow telepresence systems from Cisco to have full interoperability on their networks.

The deal will let both networks use the existing videoconferencing scheduling and calling software to interoperate, so that calls can be booked and meetings arranged on compatible devices.

Inter-network calls will have a price premium, however, which has yet to be specified.

"This agreement really helps customers get a better return on investment," Alan Benway, executive director of product marketing management at AT&T, told V3.co.uk.

"The more endpoints they can call the better the utility of the systems. We're betting that 1 + 1 = 3."

The two companies will also interoperate to an extent on security protocols, with pricing and account management unchanged and handled by existing hosting providers.

Similarly, the Cisco TelePresence devices will be able to use current embedded encryption and security technologies.

"AT&T and BT's exchange-to-exchange connection marks a significant milestone in the industry," said Brian Washburn, a research analyst at Current Analysis.

"Exchange-to-exchange telepresence is a major stride forward in building smooth, end-to-end experiences for customers across network boundaries worldwide, and advancing Cisco's efforts to support inter-provider connectivity."

Metcalfe's Law states that the value of compatible communicating devices rises at a quadratic rate for each new user added, and AT&T and BT are hoping that something similar could spur the market in telepresence systems.

"With the advent of quality of networks and their wide availability we have got to the point where it's economical to have video meetings on a routine basis," Marc Hambley, senior product manager at BT, told V3.co.uk.

"Our ambition is to seize the moment and see where the market would like to go."