[Satellite TODAY 08-25-11] ViaSat has been contracted to supply its Edge Access Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) satellite system to Argentinean CATV and broadband Internet provider Grupo TVSA, ViaSat announced Aug. 24.

   Grupo TVSA will use the ViaSat hardware to provide a triple play service offering to its customers. ViaSat also is integrating an IPVision SIMA back office application into the Grupo TVSA network to support administration, provisioning and billing applications.

   ViaSat said the project would involve deploying phone services on more than 15,000 lines, including SS7 protocols for interconnecting with telephony incumbents in the region, which aims to enable Grupo TVSA to launch services in cooperation with its three Argentinean subsidiaries Teledifusora, Megavisión Santiago and Decoteve.

   “Because our network infrastructure stretches across a vast territory, we need IP-based provisioning and billing that is scalable and cost-effective. After a thorough evaluation of leading soft-switch systems, we selected ViaSat because they are providing the combination of a leading soft-switch with an integrated back office system, as well as local support and expertise. Now we can offer carrier-class telephony to our broadband users,” Grupo TVSA General Director Alfredo Argiz said in a statement.