BT adds BlackBerry support to unified comms package

BT Communications Complete customers will get Wi-Fi roaming with BlackBerry handsets

BT is to integrate RIM's BlackBerry Mobile Voice System (MVS) technology into its Communications Complete system, enabling customers to make voice calls on their office Wi-Fi network using BlackBerry handsets.

Launched earlier this year, Communications Complete is a package of services based on Cisco's Unified Communications 500 platform. It integrates voice and data with internet access and Wi-Fi in a single IP-based package aimed at small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

With BlackBerry MVS integration, customers will be able to use a Wi-Fi network in the office for voice calls, according to BT.This should enable SMB customers to reduce mobile airtime costs and be more productive. It can also switch from Wi-Fi to the cellular network while mid-call, but not in the opposite direction.

BT is beginning beta trials now, and expects to make the technology available by the end of the summer or early autumn 2009.

BlackBerry users will be contactable using just one phone number and will have a single voicemail box, BT said. If customers also opt for BT's One Plan Plus, they will be able to make calls between colleagues without incurring call-forwarding charges, even for mobile calls.

"This solution will enable the delivery of unified communications tools for SMBs, which previously only benefited larger firms," said BT Business managing director Bill Murphy.