The SITA Group – which provides data communications services to the airline industry – is adding voice services to its portfolio through the introduction of a global switched voice network. SITA, the Society of International Transporters by Air, says the network, dubbed Intelligent Global Voice Network, I-GVN, will become operational in the second half of next year and will provide services including Virtual Private Networking and Cell Centre Management. It is to be based on the International Telecommunications Union/Consultative Committee on International Telegraphy & Telephony Signalling System 7 standard. SITA is not saying how much it is investing in the network, or on what equipment it will be based. Similarly, it has not given out precise details on what the network’s coverage will be, although it did say that it is aiming to cover 60 countries by the year 2000. Also unclear is whether SITA will market the services to companies outside the airline industry, via its Scitor subsidiary.
