KitWatch 3Com has launched a desktop IP phone which promises much better acoustic quality than conventional circuit switched phones.

The 3Com 3102 Business Phone supports the emerging wideband audio standard, which significantly enhances speech transmission compared to conventional public switch telephone network (PSTN). A typical PSTN phone line reproduces speech at 3.3 kHz whereas the 3102 phone can relay IP conversations at a frequency of 7 kHz or higher, enabling clearer phone calls - at least to other phones that support the same wideband standard.

The 3102 - a desktop IP phone with improved speakerphone features - is designed to be easy to use and sleeker than previous models. The device supports the industry-standard session initiation protocol (SIP and the 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard.

The phone has a list price of £173 and will be available in the UK from March 26. In the US, Canada and Mexico the 3102 it will be available from the same time for $320. ®