VoIP for Independent Telecoms Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/voip-for-independent-telecoms The podcast for local service providers who want to offer great voice services on a resilient network. © Award Consulting 2021 411d6d57-c07c-57c4-865e-018cd2e99346 no en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:36:10 -0700 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:40:27 -0800 https://www.awardconsulting.com https://img.transistor.fm/c6IILSFkaw6WkpKUtjkIO7qcvF2QTWaSpIa3NunUZfg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzIxMTkyLzE2MjEx/Nzc4NzAtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg VoIP for Independent Telecoms https://www.awardconsulting.com episodic Award Consulting The podcast for local service providers who want to offer great voice services on a resilient network. The podcast for local service providers who want to offer great voice services on a resilient network.. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company Andrew Ward No No Grow your revenue by training end-users, with Katie Merrill from B-Lynk 24 24 Grow your revenue by training end-users, with Katie Merrill from B-Lynk full 67fc08de-fb78-497e-8884-3669bf3c71aa https://share.transistor.fm/s/63632572 In this episode I'm joined by Katie Merrill, founder and CEO of B-Lynk to share how she started a business focused on creating training materials for hosted PBX and UCaaS providers. Over the years B-Lynk has ended up working with all the major UCaaS vendors and has developed a huge library of materials that continues to grow and evolve as new features are added. To learn more about B-Lynk, check out https://www.b-lynk.com.

]]> In this episode I'm joined by Katie Merrill, founder and CEO of B-Lynk to share how she started a business focused on creating training materials for hosted PBX and UCaaS providers. Over the years B-Lynk has ended up working with all the major UCaaS vendors and has developed a huge library of materials that continues to grow and evolve as new features are added. To learn more about B-Lynk, check out https://www.b-lynk.com.

]]> Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1118 In this episode I'm joined by Katie Merrill, founder and CEO of B-Lynk to share how she started a business focused on creating training materials for hosted PBX and UCaaS providers. Over the years B-Lynk has ended up working with all the major UCaaS vendors and has developed a huge library of materials that continues to grow and evolve as new features are added. To learn more about B-Lynk, check out https://www.b-lynk.com.

]]> ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Why technicians need to be comedians, with Jerry Black of IT Misfits 23 23 Why technicians need to be comedians, with Jerry Black of IT Misfits full a63db391-413f-4889-aff2-6bdee7e0bbce https://share.transistor.fm/s/02eaf554 In this episode I interview Jerry Black of IT Misfits, to understand how a background in construction, video editing and project management has led to a passion for stand-up comedy, and to see why anyone in the technology field could benefit from improving their comedy skills.

]]> In this episode I interview Jerry Black of IT Misfits, to understand how a background in construction, video editing and project management has led to a passion for stand-up comedy, and to see why anyone in the technology field could benefit from improving their comedy skills.

]]> Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 2146 In this episode I interview Jerry Black of IT Misfits, to understand how a background in construction, video editing and project management has led to a passion for stand-up comedy, and to see why anyone in the technology field could benefit from improving their comedy skills.

]]> ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Telecom Talks: Cloud Connections recap episode with Alan Percy 22 22 Telecom Talks: Cloud Connections recap episode with Alan Percy full 7fb1206c-b96f-4f08-b2a8-6ea805e144fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ec89ca1 In this episode I'm joined by Alan Percy from TelcoBridges for an episode of Telecom Talks, where we discuss the Cloud Connections conference we both recently attended in Florida.

]]> In this episode I'm joined by Alan Percy from TelcoBridges for an episode of Telecom Talks, where we discuss the Cloud Connections conference we both recently attended in Florida.

]]> Tue, 28 May 2024 16:32:35 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1408 In this episode I'm joined by Alan Percy from TelcoBridges for an episode of Telecom Talks, where we discuss the Cloud Connections conference we both recently attended in Florida.

]]> ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No How to complete projects successfully - with Tara Kelley 21 21 How to complete projects successfully - with Tara Kelley full 9dd81f83-87ad-42b6-a31b-e8d47ce8e690 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ccf1643 A good project manager can make a huge difference when you're trying to execute your projects. It's not just about tracking tasks and hitting dates on a calendar - a good project manager also has domain expertise, and can help to spot risks, and make sure the project goes smoothly - whether that's migrations or product launches or fiber builds.

For more information check out cbsrome.com and in particular this blog post for a quick reference on project management best practices. Or connect with Tara on LinkedIn.

]]> A good project manager can make a huge difference when you're trying to execute your projects. It's not just about tracking tasks and hitting dates on a calendar - a good project manager also has domain expertise, and can help to spot risks, and make sure the project goes smoothly - whether that's migrations or product launches or fiber builds.

For more information check out cbsrome.com and in particular this blog post for a quick reference on project management best practices. Or connect with Tara on LinkedIn.

]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1487 In this episode I'm joined by Tara Kelley from Coosa Business Solutions to talk about the vital role project management plays in the telecoms world. In this episode I'm joined by Tara Kelley from Coosa Business Solutions to talk about the vital role project management plays in the telecoms world. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Why phone numbers should be on a Blockchain - with Noah Rafalko of TSG Global 20 20 Why phone numbers should be on a Blockchain - with Noah Rafalko of TSG Global full a9efc0a0-6a76-42d2-99e6-de60fb41e2b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9accb887 In our discussion we'll cover:

  • why a blockchain could work better than STIR/SHAKEN to give users control of their DNs
  • how users could be given powerful control of who can and can't call their number
  • how a similar approach is already being used for text messaging.

For more information check out tsgglobal.com, tnid.com or email info@tsgglobal.com.

]]> In our discussion we'll cover:

  • why a blockchain could work better than STIR/SHAKEN to give users control of their DNs
  • how users could be given powerful control of who can and can't call their number
  • how a similar approach is already being used for text messaging.

For more information check out tsgglobal.com, tnid.com or email info@tsgglobal.com.

]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 2295 In this episode I'm joined by Noah Rafalko of TSG Global to discuss an alternative approach to stopping unwanted robocalls and spoofed caller ID, using a blockchain. In this episode I'm joined by Noah Rafalko of TSG Global to discuss an alternative approach to stopping unwanted robocalls and spoofed caller ID, using a blockchain. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No A new MaX UC client and support for nomadic 911 - with Jo Ramachandran 19 19 A new MaX UC client and support for nomadic 911 - with Jo Ramachandran full ec365341-8934-41f9-9ec7-b941385c21d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe398892 For more information, please check out the following links:

]]> For more information, please check out the following links:

]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0800 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1646 In this episode I'm joined by Jo Ramachandran from Microsoft to talk about the new version of the MaX UC desktop client, and the new features added to support Ray Baum's Act for nomadic 911 subscribers. In this episode I'm joined by Jo Ramachandran from Microsoft to talk about the new version of the MaX UC desktop client, and the new features added to support Ray Baum's Act for nomadic 911 subscribers. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Are we supposed to block illegal robocalls? - with Mark Lindsey of ECG 18 18 Are we supposed to block illegal robocalls? - with Mark Lindsey of ECG full 52b9cd65-9866-416e-9de4-de61aab350a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/394ccc49 For more information check out the following links:

]]> For more information check out the following links:

]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0800 Award Consulting Award Consulting 2296 In this episode I'm joined by Mark Lindsey from ECG to discuss what regulators expect of service providers when it comes to robocalls. When are you required to block calls? When are you permitted to block them? In this episode I'm joined by Mark Lindsey from ECG to discuss what regulators expect of service providers when it comes to robocalls. When are you required to block calls? When are you permitted to block them? ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Why you can't put your switch in the cloud - with Mark Suto of Toly Digital 17 17 Why you can't put your switch in the cloud - with Mark Suto of Toly Digital full 078409d6-16e3-4549-8239-6d2758da5ed8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d9531b33 Other topics covered:
 - Why it's great to work with rural ILECs.
 - What products have worked, and what didn't, over the years.
 - The tension between technical advancement and the regulations that cover compensation.
 - What to expect in the future.
 - You can learn more about Toly Digital at tolydigital.net.

]]> Other topics covered:
 - Why it's great to work with rural ILECs.
 - What products have worked, and what didn't, over the years.
 - The tension between technical advancement and the regulations that cover compensation.
 - What to expect in the future.
 - You can learn more about Toly Digital at tolydigital.net.

]]> Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0800 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1688 In this episode I interview Mark Suto from Toly Digital. Toly has been serving rural ILECs for 25 years, and Mark has a great perspective on how to identify new products based on customer needs. He also shared some great insights on the challenges of moving voice service to the cloud given NECA requirements. In this episode I interview Mark Suto from Toly Digital. Toly has been serving rural ILECs for 25 years, and Mark has a great perspective on how to identify new products based on customer needs. He also shared some great insights on the challenges of movi ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Integrating TelcoBridges Media Gateways with Metaswitch - with Alan Percy 16 16 Integrating TelcoBridges Media Gateways with Metaswitch - with Alan Percy full fd5388ee-1690-4dbe-a3eb-687e01d0b7dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/65a5e685 Topics include:
 - TelcoBridges unusual approach of focusing on specific products, rather than trying to do everything
 - Why is a partnership between Metaswitch and TelcoBridges good - for TelcoBridges, for Metaswitch, and for their mutual customers?
 - Should telcos be concerned about having too many vendors in their network?
 - For more information, read our article about this partnership, and check out the TelcoBridges website.

]]> Topics include:
 - TelcoBridges unusual approach of focusing on specific products, rather than trying to do everything
 - Why is a partnership between Metaswitch and TelcoBridges good - for TelcoBridges, for Metaswitch, and for their mutual customers?
 - Should telcos be concerned about having too many vendors in their network?
 - For more information, read our article about this partnership, and check out the TelcoBridges website.

]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0800 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1233 In this episode our guest is Alan Percy of TelcoBridges, and we discuss the recent announcement of a partnership between TelcoBridges and Metaswitch. In this episode our guest is Alan Percy of TelcoBridges, and we discuss the recent announcement of a partnership between TelcoBridges and Metaswitch. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Inside the ATIS Non-IP Call Authentication Task Force - with Alec Fenichel of TransNexus 15 15 Inside the ATIS Non-IP Call Authentication Task Force - with Alec Fenichel of TransNexus full dc9e9a60-32dc-4bee-8600-a2a8d13a6bd1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c80584e Useful links:
- ATIS-1000095 Extending SHAKEN over TDM
- ATIS-1000096 SHAKEN OOB PASSPORT for TDM
- ATIS-1000097 Technical report on alternatives for non-IP traffic.
- TransNexus STIR/SHAKEN information hub.

]]> Useful links:
- ATIS-1000095 Extending SHAKEN over TDM
- ATIS-1000096 SHAKEN OOB PASSPORT for TDM
- ATIS-1000097 Technical report on alternatives for non-IP traffic.
- TransNexus STIR/SHAKEN information hub.

]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0800 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1904 Another discussion about STIR/SHAKEN for TDM networks with Alec Fenichel, Senior Software Architect of TransNexus. Alec was part of the ATIS Non-IP Call Authentication Task Force that developed the new ATIS standards that provide some options for TDM networks. Another discussion about STIR/SHAKEN for TDM networks with Alec Fenichel, Senior Software Architect of TransNexus. Alec was part of the ATIS Non-IP Call Authentication Task Force that developed the new ATIS standards that provide some options for TDM net ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Why are my calls marked as spam? - with Greg Blumstein of TrueCNAM 14 14 Why are my calls marked as spam? - with Greg Blumstein of TrueCNAM full 0cc68874-b4ca-43ba-bbb8-9f4162e69419 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a4cdf965 For more information on some of the topics, check out the links below:
- TrueCNAM: https://truecnam.com/ - you're welcome to contact their team to query your score.
- More info about legal vs illegal robocalls (although remember that the reputation is based on whether calls are unwanted, not whether they're illegal).
- The FCC Fourth Report and Order on robocalling says "We require that all originating voice service providers know their customers and exercise due diligence in ensuring that their services are not used to originate illegal traffic."
- FreeCallerRegistry is a collaboration between several reputation providers (representing the major wireless carriers) where you can register a business and try to improve your reputation score.
- Jolly Roger Telephone is taking the fight back to the scammers.

]]> For more information on some of the topics, check out the links below:
- TrueCNAM: https://truecnam.com/ - you're welcome to contact their team to query your score.
- More info about legal vs illegal robocalls (although remember that the reputation is based on whether calls are unwanted, not whether they're illegal).
- The FCC Fourth Report and Order on robocalling says "We require that all originating voice service providers know their customers and exercise due diligence in ensuring that their services are not used to originate illegal traffic."
- FreeCallerRegistry is a collaboration between several reputation providers (representing the major wireless carriers) where you can register a business and try to improve your reputation score.
- Jolly Roger Telephone is taking the fight back to the scammers.

]]> Mon, 01 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1589 In this episode we interview Greg Blumstein, CEO of TrueCNAM. TrueCNAM provides real-time reputation data on callers which is used by carriers to mark calls as spam, and we discuss how these reputation scores are determined, and what callers and carriers can do if their calls are being flagged as spam. In this episode we interview Greg Blumstein, CEO of TrueCNAM. TrueCNAM provides real-time reputation data on callers which is used by carriers to mark calls as spam, and we discuss how these reputation scores are determined, and what callers and carriers ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No STIR/SHAKEN for TDM networks - with Austin Spreadbury 13 13 STIR/SHAKEN for TDM networks - with Austin Spreadbury full 6561edb6-f4db-4d37-b379-05c484ed4367 https://share.transistor.fm/s/64f89315 In our discussion, Austin Spreadbury (the Microsoft Program Manager responsible for Robocall solutions) and I take a look at the new ATIS specifications covering some options for using STIR/SHAKEN for calls passing over TDM networks. We also discuss how the STIR/SHAKEN roll-out has been going so far, and speculate about what the future holds.

You can read more about the items we discussed at the following links:
- Austin and I previous chatted back in February 2021, and you can watch that video here.
- ATIS 1000095, Extending STIR/SHAKEN over TDM
- ATIS-1000096, SHAKEN Out-of-Band PASSporT Transmission Involving TDM Networks
- ATIS-1000097, Technical Report on Alternatives for Call Authentication for Non-IP Traffic
- My written review of the above specs: here and here
- YouMail Robocall Index (stats on robocall volumes)
- TransNexus stats on calls with STIR/SHAKEN certificates

You can read more about Metaswitch's solutions for robocall blocking and STIR/SHAKEN on their website.

]]> In our discussion, Austin Spreadbury (the Microsoft Program Manager responsible for Robocall solutions) and I take a look at the new ATIS specifications covering some options for using STIR/SHAKEN for calls passing over TDM networks. We also discuss how the STIR/SHAKEN roll-out has been going so far, and speculate about what the future holds.

You can read more about the items we discussed at the following links:
- Austin and I previous chatted back in February 2021, and you can watch that video here.
- ATIS 1000095, Extending STIR/SHAKEN over TDM
- ATIS-1000096, SHAKEN Out-of-Band PASSporT Transmission Involving TDM Networks
- ATIS-1000097, Technical Report on Alternatives for Call Authentication for Non-IP Traffic
- My written review of the above specs: here and here
- YouMail Robocall Index (stats on robocall volumes)
- TransNexus stats on calls with STIR/SHAKEN certificates

You can read more about Metaswitch's solutions for robocall blocking and STIR/SHAKEN on their website.

]]> Mon, 18 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1954 In this episode I'm joined by Austin Spreadbury of Metaswitch (Microsoft) to discuss the latest updates in STIR/SHAKEN. In this episode I'm joined by Austin Spreadbury of Metaswitch (Microsoft) to discuss the latest updates in STIR/SHAKEN. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Transforming lives with fiber internet and a mule - with Keith Gabbard of PRTC 12 12 Transforming lives with fiber internet and a mule - with Keith Gabbard of PRTC full 6f7cc073-e15f-4670-9f06-6176ee1cad92 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6cb96db2 For more information about PRTC and this story, check out the following:
- The Race: TV show
- The One Traffic Light Town with some of the Fastest Internet in the US: New Yorker article
- Wikipedia article about Roberto Clemente

]]> For more information about PRTC and this story, check out the following:
- The Race: TV show
- The One Traffic Light Town with some of the Fastest Internet in the US: New Yorker article
- Wikipedia article about Roberto Clemente

]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 2094 In this episode I talk with Keith Gabbard, CEO of Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative in McKee, KY - about his early embrace of fiber broadband, and the impact gigabit internet has had on the local community. In this episode I talk with Keith Gabbard, CEO of Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative in McKee, KY - about his early embrace of fiber broadband, and the impact gigabit internet has had on the local community. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Network monitoring, DDOS and American Idol - with Marc Matthews of Kentik 11 11 Network monitoring, DDOS and American Idol - with Marc Matthews of Kentik full 584fbd42-ba7b-4991-92ee-ccfd22a5c966 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5a388377 Marc and I discuss a variety of topics, including:
 - his time working with me at Metaswitch, where he was the first Sales Engineer
 - how American Idol was an early form of DDOS attack
 - how network operators can identify and respond to DDOS attacks
 - the importance of network monitoring and observability, and how Kentik can help.

Links:
https://www.kentik.com/

]]> Marc and I discuss a variety of topics, including:
 - his time working with me at Metaswitch, where he was the first Sales Engineer
 - how American Idol was an early form of DDOS attack
 - how network operators can identify and respond to DDOS attacks
 - the importance of network monitoring and observability, and how Kentik can help.

Links:
https://www.kentik.com/

]]> Mon, 20 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1429 In this episode I'm joined by Marc Matthews to reminisce about the early days of Metaswitch, and discuss how carriers can create a more resilient network through improved network monitoring and observability. In this episode I'm joined by Marc Matthews to reminisce about the early days of Metaswitch, and discuss how carriers can create a more resilient network through improved network monitoring and observability. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Champing at the BITS - clocking for TDM, VoIP and 5G - with Jim Olsen of Microchip 10 10 Champing at the BITS - clocking for TDM, VoIP and 5G - with Jim Olsen of Microchip full 1c043bfb-1b72-4e31-9de4-3abfcecef7a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9140a811 In this episode I talk to Jim Olsen from Microchip about network synchronization. What is clocking, why does it matter in TDM networks and why will it continue to be important in the future? You'll learn how timing works for TDM, and what happens when a GPS source is lost; we'll explore what comes after BITS; and we'll discuss how clocking is important for 5G networks.

If you're responsible for a TDM network check out this episode to learn more about this critical (but often overlooked) piece of infrastructure.

]]> In this episode I talk to Jim Olsen from Microchip about network synchronization. What is clocking, why does it matter in TDM networks and why will it continue to be important in the future? You'll learn how timing works for TDM, and what happens when a GPS source is lost; we'll explore what comes after BITS; and we'll discuss how clocking is important for 5G networks.

If you're responsible for a TDM network check out this episode to learn more about this critical (but often overlooked) piece of infrastructure.

]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1536 In this episode I talk to Jim Olsen from Microchip about network synchronization. What is clocking, why does it matter in TDM networks and why will it continue to be important in the future. In this episode I talk to Jim Olsen from Microchip about network synchronization. What is clocking, why does it matter in TDM networks and why will it continue to be important in the future. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No The middle-man: how does an IXC provide value - with Roy Martindale of USA Digital 9 9 The middle-man: how does an IXC provide value - with Roy Martindale of USA Digital full 5b569edd-77cc-4fb9-92d7-2404ad370dd0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b6941f8 In this episode I talk to Roy Martindale, CTO of USA Digital about life as an IXC. We cover the services provided in a class 4 network, how STIR/SHAKEN impacts an intermediate carrier, how least-cost routing works, and the benefits that come when offering a combination of both class 4 and class 5 services - including a new UCaaS offering.

]]> In this episode I talk to Roy Martindale, CTO of USA Digital about life as an IXC. We cover the services provided in a class 4 network, how STIR/SHAKEN impacts an intermediate carrier, how least-cost routing works, and the benefits that come when offering a combination of both class 4 and class 5 services - including a new UCaaS offering.

]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1326 An interview with Roy Martindale of USA Digital about what it's like to provide class 4 services in today's network. An interview with Roy Martindale of USA Digital about what it's like to provide class 4 services in today's network. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No The story behind Award Consulting - with Stephen Denny 8 8 The story behind Award Consulting - with Stephen Denny full 100bd815-1a87-4cc8-8843-a607c6c2af52 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2cc9b2db In this self-indulgent episode, Andrew talks with Stephen Denny, the first consultant to join my team at Award Consulting, about our story so far. How did Andrew come to start consulting as a freelancer, why did he hire Stephen, and what has happened to the business since then.

In particular we'll discuss:
 - Andrew's decision to leave Metaswitch without a plan
 - the debt we owe to the Metaswitch account managers and others who introduced us to our early clients
 - the industry change that put the whole business in jeopardy, and led to Andrew hiring Stephen
 - the challenges of being an introvert responsible for sales
 - how we've eventually seen the team grow from 1 to 5 people.

]]> In this self-indulgent episode, Andrew talks with Stephen Denny, the first consultant to join my team at Award Consulting, about our story so far. How did Andrew come to start consulting as a freelancer, why did he hire Stephen, and what has happened to the business since then.

In particular we'll discuss:
 - Andrew's decision to leave Metaswitch without a plan
 - the debt we owe to the Metaswitch account managers and others who introduced us to our early clients
 - the industry change that put the whole business in jeopardy, and led to Andrew hiring Stephen
 - the challenges of being an introvert responsible for sales
 - how we've eventually seen the team grow from 1 to 5 people.

]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:08:08 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1664 In this self-indulgent episode, Andrew talks with Stephen Denny, the first consultant to join my team at Award Consulting, about our story so far. How did Andrew come to start consulting as a freelancer, why did he hire Stephen, and what has happened to the business since then. In this self-indulgent episode, Andrew talks with Stephen Denny, the first consultant to join my team at Award Consulting, about our story so far. How did Andrew come to start consulting as a freelancer, why did he hire Stephen, and what has happened to t ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Why did Microsoft buy Metaswitch, and what's going on in the telecoms industry - with Matt Townend of Cavell 7 7 Why did Microsoft buy Metaswitch, and what's going on in the telecoms industry - with Matt Townend of Cavell full 587fc490-a66d-457f-a207-a1a8b5d70bfa https://share.transistor.fm/s/c523a32d Useful links:

  • Cavell Group: https://cavellgroup.com/
  • Cloud Comms Summit: https://cavellgroup.com/events/ccs-us/
  • Cloud Comms Alliance: https://www.cloudcommunications.com/


]]> Useful links:

  • Cavell Group: https://cavellgroup.com/
  • Cloud Comms Summit: https://cavellgroup.com/events/ccs-us/
  • Cloud Comms Alliance: https://www.cloudcommunications.com/


]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1995 In this episode, I talk with Matt Townend, executive director of the Cavell group about his history in the telecoms industry along with his thoughts on Microsoft's acquisition of Metaswitch, and other big-picture industry trends. Matt also discusses the Cloud Comms Summit, the leading vendor-agnostic event for Service Providers focused on the Cloud Communications industry. In this episode, I talk with Matt Townend, executive director of the Cavell group about his history in the telecoms industry along with his thoughts on Microsoft's acquisition of Metaswitch, and other big-picture industry trends. Matt also discusses the C ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No The modernization of 911 calls - with Mark Grady of INdigital 6 6 The modernization of 911 calls - with Mark Grady of INdigital full e99072c0-fe00-4584-b8b2-9e32b13f4189 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3daf023d Mon, 12 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1965 In this episode, I talk with Mark Grady from INdigital about his 39 years in the independent telecoms industry along with the history of 911 calls and how INdigital has been working to bring 911 into the 21st century. In this episode, I talk with Mark Grady from INdigital about his 39 years in the independent telecoms industry along with the history of 911 calls and how INdigital has been working to bring 911 into the 21st century. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Lessons from launching Hosted PBX and management through EOS - with Jim McCarthy of Northland 5 5 Lessons from launching Hosted PBX and management through EOS - with Jim McCarthy of Northland full 1291ba97-96bb-4ede-8565-630554bf0b8e https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce80b93f In this episode, we mention:
Northland Communications: https://www.northland.net/
Entrepreneurial Operating System: https://www.eosworldwide.com/
Get a Grip (book): https://www.amazon.com/Get-Grip-Entrepreneurial-Journey-Results-ebook/dp/B009K44DQY

]]> In this episode, we mention:
Northland Communications: https://www.northland.net/
Entrepreneurial Operating System: https://www.eosworldwide.com/
Get a Grip (book): https://www.amazon.com/Get-Grip-Entrepreneurial-Journey-Results-ebook/dp/B009K44DQY

]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 1540 In this episode I talk with Jim McCarthy, President of Northland Communications about their experiences launching a hosted PBX product over the past few years - and I also pick his brain about the EOS management approach. In this episode I talk with Jim McCarthy, President of Northland Communications about their experiences launching a hosted PBX product over the past few years - and I also pick his brain about the EOS management approach. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Building a UCaaS Platform for Partners to Sell - with David Ansehl of Reinvent 4 4 Building a UCaaS Platform for Partners to Sell - with David Ansehl of Reinvent full d74207c5-70e4-4d5e-afe4-5f1daf22a95f https://share.transistor.fm/s/86a724a1 In this episode David Ansehl talks about the state of UCaaS / Hosted PBX as we come out of the pandemic, discusses the benefits over traditional PBXs, and explains Reinvent's model of selling through whitelabel partners.

]]> In this episode David Ansehl talks about the state of UCaaS / Hosted PBX as we come out of the pandemic, discusses the benefits over traditional PBXs, and explains Reinvent's model of selling through whitelabel partners.

]]> Mon, 14 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 3602 In this episode David Ansehl talks about the state of UCaaS / Hosted PBX as we come out of the pandemic, discusses the benefits over traditional PBXs, and explains Reinvent's model of selling through whitelabel partners. In this episode David Ansehl talks about the state of UCaaS / Hosted PBX as we come out of the pandemic, discusses the benefits over traditional PBXs, and explains Reinvent's model of selling through whitelabel partners. ilec, clec, telecoms, metaswitch, ucaas, hostedpbx No Translations, LNP and Archaeology - with Rita Reinke 3 3 Translations, LNP and Archaeology - with Rita Reinke full eda034bc-df82-41d2-8f34-0fb0ed91878c https://share.transistor.fm/s/a2ec86d9 Rita Reinke joins me to talk about her best practices for switch translations, why LNP causes so many problems, and why she'd rather be excavating an archaeological site than working on a switch.

]]> Rita Reinke joins me to talk about her best practices for switch translations, why LNP causes so many problems, and why she'd rather be excavating an archaeological site than working on a switch.

]]> Mon, 31 May 2021 07:00:00 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 2183 Rita Reinke joins me to talk about her best practices for switch translations, why LNP causes so many problems, and why she'd rather be excavating an archaeological site than working on a switch. Rita Reinke joins me to talk about her best practices for switch translations, why LNP causes so many problems, and why she'd rather be excavating an archaeological site than working on a switch. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No IP Networks for VoIP - with Nathan Littlepage 2 2 IP Networks for VoIP - with Nathan Littlepage full 14027527-59e2-4166-9fa4-50a691c72f88 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e698c748 Nathan Littlepage, Senior Technical Consultant at Award Consulting joins host Andrew Ward to discuss his history as an early customer of Metaswitch, and then to discuss some best practices and common gotchas when building IP networks to support voice over IP and other real-time communications.

]]> Nathan Littlepage, Senior Technical Consultant at Award Consulting joins host Andrew Ward to discuss his history as an early customer of Metaswitch, and then to discuss some best practices and common gotchas when building IP networks to support voice over IP and other real-time communications.

]]> Mon, 17 May 2021 18:31:32 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 2284 Nathan Littlepage joins me to discuss the importance of IP networks for VoIP and some best practices for architecting a resilient network. Nathan Littlepage joins me to discuss the importance of IP networks for VoIP and some best practices for architecting a resilient network. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No Taking care of clients and living in a van - with Dave Capece 1 1 Taking care of clients and living in a van - with Dave Capece full 56a1f7a1-8d14-409f-b6e0-6f778c051b2c https://share.transistor.fm/s/e39509bd A few months ago I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend and coworker Dave Capece. He’s a charismatic guy who used to work with me in Metaswitch Support, then spent a couple of years traveling the world delivering training courses for Metaswitch, and then helped me get started as a consultant.

In this excerpt from our conversation we share a little about our history together, the value of best practices, how to take care of clients, and why Dave was Zooming with me from a van in the middle of the desert.

]]> A few months ago I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend and coworker Dave Capece. He’s a charismatic guy who used to work with me in Metaswitch Support, then spent a couple of years traveling the world delivering training courses for Metaswitch, and then helped me get started as a consultant.

In this excerpt from our conversation we share a little about our history together, the value of best practices, how to take care of clients, and why Dave was Zooming with me from a van in the middle of the desert.

]]> Sun, 16 May 2021 08:14:20 -0700 Award Consulting Award Consulting 802 An interview with my former coworker Dave Capece, where we share a little about our history together, the value of best practices, how to take care of clients, and why Dave was Zooming with me from a van in the middle of the desert. An interview with my former coworker Dave Capece, where we share a little about our history together, the value of best practices, how to take care of clients, and why Dave was Zooming with me from a van in the middle of the desert. ilec, clec, telecoms, voip, ss7, pstn, sip, telco, metaswitch, telecommunications, telephone company No