Optimum Lightpath, a provider of Ethernet-based communication offerings, has unveiled its next-generation Optimum Lightpath Hosted Voice, a cloud-based phone service.

The new service is designed for mid-market and large businesses and offers an array of new features, including capabilities to keep mobile workforces connected on the go.

The flat-rate pricing service requires little or no upfront costs and runs over Optimum Lightpath’s 100% fibre network for high reliability.

Optimum Lightpath Hosted Voice service includes additional Internet bandwidth to support phone calls and a range of phone minutes of use packages, and offers free calling to other Optimum Lightpath Hosted Voice customers and HD Voice.

It includes a comprehensive feature set tailored for end users, system administrators and receptionists, enabled by Metaswitch’s MetaSphere multimedia application server.

The features include call processing; convergence; mobility; and collaboration for 3-party conferencing and Meet-Me audio conferencing featuring web-based and Apple iOS support, the company said.

Optimum Lightpath Hosted Voice was specifically designed to remove complex communications activities with a cost-effective, high-performing IP-PBX system that is devoid of typical heavy management requirements and upgrade costs.

The service includes a Web-based management portal that makes it simple for businesses to make real-time changes to the system from anywhere, also eliminating ongoing administrative fees.

Optimum Lightpath will also provide, install, maintain and monitor new Cisco IP phones and all other equipment necessary, such as Power over Ethernet switches, to run the service, backed by a thorough LAN assessment, certification and remediation.