Pacific Internet wins major voice and data contract for the Harvey World Travel Franchise Group.

Pacific Internet Limited, an Internet communications service provider, yesterday announced that it has been selected by Harvey World Travel (HWT) to provide voice and data services to its Sydney-based international head office and to as many as 350 of its franchisees across Australia in a contract worth $2.4 million per annum.

Under the agreement, Pacific Internet's Australian operations will provide voice services as well as broadband DSL connectivity with seamless dial-up redundancy for mission-critical applications such as online reservations systems and HWT's own interface system. The total package is backed by Cisco hardware for security, and offers the convenience of one bill as well as support from a single centre. The arrangement also offers the promise of an easy transition to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in the future.

"Pacific Internet has provided broadband to HWT franchisees for over three years and I've been very happy with their ability to deliver reliable business-grade services and work with us collaboratively to meet our group's unique needs," said Mr Matthew Harris, HWT's Manager of Technology Solutions. "Their account management approach and ability to offer expert support to our franchisees were also critical factors in our choice. Pacific Internet has really become a trusted advisor for us, and it was a natural evolution to expand our successful relationship."

"We are pleased to offer HWT the benefits of Pacific Internet's voice and data offerings," said Mr Phey Teck Moh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Internet. "With close to 2000 PSTN lines, HWT will become a significant voice customer. We will also connect their ISDN lines and 13 and 1300 numbers. By working closely with HWT's Technology Solutions group, we've structured a communications package that puts HWT in a strong position to embrace new technologies for continued business efficiencies."