Verizon Business Provides Advanced Communications Capabilities for The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

READING, England - Verizon Business today announced the successful deployment of IP voice and data communications systems at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) in London. The QEIICC is using IP Integrated Access, part of Verizon Business' global VoIP services, to support advanced conferencing facilities today, as well as to provide future flexibility to enhance the facility's portfolio of public and private communications services.

The QEIICC, a conference and exhibition venue situated in the heart of Westminster, is an executive agency of the newly-created Department for Communities and Local Government, and one of the first government agencies to migrate its voice services to a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) system. The venue regularly hosts high-profile public and private-sector clients, such as the Confederation of British Industry, the California Institute of Technology and the Russian Business Federation.

Verizon Business' global Internet Protocol (IP) services are powering a range of high-quality communications services for exhibitors and the general public, including high-bandwidth video conferencing and Internet services available through the Centre's Internet café and wireless hotspots.

The QEIICC selected Verizon Business as its IP partner based on the strength of the company's VoIP portfolio and its high level of customer service. Richard Battersby, The QEIICC's information communication technology manager, said: "Verizon Business has provided basic IP services for over eight years, and we have always received a highly reliable service and exemplary account management.  When we decided to implement a complete VoIP solution, we had no hesitation in extending that relationship.

"We are proud of our reputation for providing innovative, technology-focused conferencing and events solutions to our customers, and are confident that our partnership with Verizon Business will allow us to continue to offer cost-effective and technically advanced services that will maintain our competitive edge."

Mike Hamilton, head of government sales at Verizon Business, said, "As an innovative governmental agency, The QEIICC requires leading technology to effectively service its clients' communications needs. We are confident that the Verizon Business VoIP solution will equip the conference facility for its current and future conferencing needs, helping the agency to maintain its leadership position within the marketplace."

Verizon Business successfully completed the migration of The QEIICC's inbound and outbound calls to VoIP in August.  

About Verizon IP Integrated Access

Verizon IP Integrated Access offers a fully managed service that allows customers to manage their IP evolution. Delivered via Verizon Business' Private IP service using multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), or over a Verizon dedicated Internet access circuit, IP Integrated Access is implemented directly in the access and IP network, and can greatly limit the need for a customer to expend capital.  The traditional customer PBX is kept in place, with Verizon Business simply enabling inbound and outbound voice routing over the existing IP dedicated or PIP access network without the requirement for PBX changes, LAN upgrades or end-user re-training.

About The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1986. The Centre is a premier purpose-built venue in a prestigious location in the heart of London. The QEIICC is an executive agency of the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and is uniquely situated against the stunning backdrop of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament and The London Eye.

The QEIICC has four main auditoria, seven conference rooms and over 20 smaller meeting rooms across seven floors, catering for events from 40 to 1,000 delegates in plenary session and 3,000 in total capacity.

The Centre is renowned for the experience and professionalism of its staff, the quality and reliability of its services, its high level of security and use of leading-edge technology.

It is fully air-conditioned and is one of the most IT intelligent buildings in the UK with a built-in wireless network, in-house audio-visual services and webcasting, plus an on-line conference service.

The cuisine is provided by Leith's and the in-house production facilities by Interface, both of which offer an outstanding service tailored to fulfill individual requirements.

The majority of The QEIICC's business is private sector, whether corporate or association business. In the last 2005/06 financial year, over 400 events were held at the Centre. The Centre recorded a turnover of £10,845 million during this period – over a three percent increase on last year.  The results are a record for the Centre and represented the third consecutive year of strong financial growth.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide.  Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com. 

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