Wholesale carrier Level 3 Communications Inc. and VoIP provider 8×8 Inc. are working together to expand 8x8s residential and small business channel and partner programs.

Because 8×8 is a member of Level 3s Enabled Master Reseller program, the wholesaler is helping the VoIP provider add channel partners to its roster. In turn, 8×8 will work with those solutions providers to roll out Level 3-based VoIP products and services to end users. 8×8 also will partner with select resellers on lead generation, training, agent recruitment and participation in industry events.

We are very pleased to be moving forward together to increase VoIP adoption through our resellers,” says Huw Rees, 8×8 vice president of sales and marketing. “This mutually advantageous program will provide us with an opportunity to expand our distribution channel, particularly in the small business market segment addressed by our Packet8 Virtual Office offering.”

Level 3 has served as the underlying carrier for 8×8’s Packet8 voice and video Internet phone services for three years.

By concentrating on a smaller number of highly capable partners, Level 3 can focus on developing more robust sales programs to help drive the adoption and growth of services provided by Level 3 enabled VoIP customers like 8×8, says Craig Schlagbaum, vice president of channel development for Level 3.

8x8s channel programs include options for agents, resellers and wholesalers.