Internet telephony provider Freshtel Holdings (ASX:FRE) is flexing its muscles on the world stage with the opening of US headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The new headquarters will lead and direct the US roll out of Freshtel’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) products and services.

The opening of the US office follows Freshtel’s European office opening in May this year and continues the global expansion of Freshtel Holdings ‘Triple Play’ VoIP solution of hardware, software and networks.

Michael Carew, CEO of Freshtel Holdings said: “The US is a prime source of growth for Freshtel and the establishment of our US HQ is a fantastic milestone in the company’s global commercialisation. We have achieved the next step in our business strategy, and we will seek to explore and advance the vast opportunities in the US VoIP market.”

According to Freshtel, the US is a huge potential market opportunity for the company from both a wholesale and retail sales perspective.

The deployment of Freshtel’s VoIP solution in the US will form a 2 phase strategy. Phase 1 is underway with the development and construction of the Freshtel VoIP network. Phase 2 will consist of establishing key partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEM), ISPs, US retailers, and any consumer driven business that wishes to offer VoIP to their existing customer base.

Don Fowler has been appointed president of Freshtel in the Americas. Fowler has  has joined Freshtel from US VoIP provider Voiceglo.

Fowler commented: “US consumers are very intelligent in terms of new technologies, especially VoIP. VoIP has been aggressively marketed here in the US and this has increased understanding and acceptance of the technology - this is an ideal platform for Freshtel to launch from as well as capture a large share of the market.”

FRE shares were lightly traded and finished down 1c to close on 23c.