DirecTV to Test VoIP Service

8/30/2006 7:47:00 AM

DirecTV said Wednesday that it plans to test a Voice over Internet Protocol phone service through a DirecPath joint venture it formed with Hicks Holdings.

The companies said they plan to eventually deliver VoIP nationwide via satellite, initially targeting apartment buildings and gated communities.DirecPath selected Vistula Communications to provide the hardware for the test.

Vistula said it will run a six-month pilot program with the VoIP service. DirecTV formed the DirecdPath joint venture with Hicks in May.