They can also better utilize their bandwidth and equipment. A single MSO network will be able to transmit voice, data and video from the same platform. Also, IP telephony currently is unregulated, and as a result, can allow MSOs to offer price savings compared to the existing public switched telephone network service. Customers demand a dial tone when they pick up the phone, and if this is sporadic or unreliable, they are likely to churn to another service provider. A significant service outage is one that affects more than 64 lines of service.
Traffic engineering needs to support call blocking of three percent.
Both ends of the HFC VoIP connection must provide service redundancy. The headend needs to have redundancy in the functional components and powering, and the residential gateway should have redundant powering. Continuous reporting from the gateway and headend to network management is essential. It also allows MSOs to perform maintenance and system upgrade activities on-line without affecting service. The most effective location to collect this information is at the residence.