Voice over IP is an alternative to circuit-switched telephony, so it makes sense that VoIP providers are looking for ways to reduce their interaction with the old world. Hence the appeal of VoIP peering, the focus of Wednesday’s panel, “VoIP Peering: What the Protocol for Success?”

Its success—or at least its appeal—can be measured in reduced PSTN connections, which save money by reducing interconnection fees. Staying in the IP realm also reduces transcoding, which helps VoIP providers differentiate themselves from circuit-switched rivals. For example, VoIP can use high-fidelity codecs, so when calls go from one IP network to another, enterprise customers notice the improved voice quality, said panelist Hilaire deSa, chief technology officer for Momentum Wholesale.

VoIP peering also benefits cable operators as they expand into telephony, but many are still struggling with it.

“Telephony is very alien to cable companies,” deSa said. “After they’ve fallen flat on their faces, they come to us.”

VoIP is a major focus for Acme Packet, which also participated in the panel. On June 18, Acme announced four more members in its Connected Universe program, which facilitate IP interconnects between companies using Acme’s Net-Net session border controllers. The addition of Belgacom International Carrier Services, Momentum Telecom Wholesale, Paetec and Telcordia Technologies brings the program’s membership to nearly 20 vendors and service providers.