Verizon to propel NASA's conferencing capabilities

MUMBAI, INDIA: Verizon Business, a provider in communications and IT solutions, today announced it will provide NASA with audio, video and Web conferencing services to help the agency collaborate more effectively.

Under a new agreement valued at more than $108 million, if all options are exercised, Verizon Business will be the primary conferencing services provider to NASA centers and facilities as well as select contractor locations said a press release.

Verizon Business is providing the services under the U.S. General Services Administration's Networx Universal contract, which is scheduled to run through 2017.

Previously, Verizon Business had provided conferencing services to NASA under the GSA's Federal Telecommunications Service 2001 contract, the predecessor to the Networx program, said the release.

"Whether NASA is planning its next mission or communicating with astronauts on the international space station, Verizon Business is working with the agency to keep its employees connected throughout its universe," said Susan Zeleniak, group president, Verizon Federal.

"By providing a range of advanced conferencing technologies, we are helping NASA both reduce travel costs and improve how the organization collaborates," she added.

Verizon Business had previously provided audio, Web and video conferencing to NASA.

Under the new agreement, the company will also be implementing a high-definition, Internet protocol (IP) instant video-conferencing solution that will allow NASA to use IP networks to quickly set up high-definition video conferences.

In addition to conferencing services, Verizon Business also provides NASA with point-to-point private line services.