Fusion Communications Corporation will begin offering a VoIP platform service to consumers using "fiber to the home" (FTTH) as their access line.

 Fusion already provides a VoIP platform service using dedicated IP phone (050) numbers for ISPs, cable TV providers, and other carriers, but this new service will allow consumers who use a fiber optic line as their access line to continue using their current fixed-line telephone number (Tokyo "0AB-J numbers" with an 03 prefix) for IP telephone service, receiving calls at the same phone number and initiating calls at low-cost IP phone rates.

 In addition, the service will provide nearly the same functionality as an NTT fixed-line telephone, including the ability to place calls to emergency numbers (110, 118, 119) and toll-free numbers. Number portability allows an NTT fixed-line telephone number to continue being used. That means there is no more need to pay NTT the basic charge for an NTT subscriber line.

 Initially, this service will be provided in the "TEPCO Hikari" service area, and will be rolled out to an expanded area in due time. The first implementation of this service will start on December 13 through Dream Train Internet (DTI) and will be available to customers who use DTI's "Hikari Plan/TEPCO Hikari Home" offered through Powered Internet [POINT].

 In the future, compatibility will be expanded to TEPCO Hikari affiliated ISPs, regional power-company-related carriers, and others providing FTTH service and equivalent high-quality access lines as part of an aggressive service rollout plan.