Cable Multiple System Operators (MSOs) and telcos are always looking for new ways to improve VoIP service quality for their subscribers. A new strategic alliance promises to help by delivering advanced, integrated testing solutions for VoIP over networks.   Minacom, a VoIP test solution provider for cable MSOs, and Tollgrade, a supplier of network service assurance products, just made news of their newly formed partnership. Tollgrade`s DOCSIS-based Status Monitoring Cheetah Transponders and recently released End-of-Line (EOL) probes will now feature embedded Minacom VoIP testing technology, allowing the units to act as responders for test calls placed by Minacom PowerProbe 6000 test probes. Using Minacom`s Patent-Pending softswitch integration, tests are conducted over actual PacketCable Dynamic Quality of Service (DQoS) voice channels, providing true user-perceived VoIP service quality testing throughout the hybrid fiber / coax (HFC) network.    This integrated remote-testing solution promises to significantly reduce the time required to identify, isolate and diagnose VoIP service issues, while also providing proactive, real-time monitoring to detect service level degradation before quality issues affect subscribers. Test automation, results analysis, service level classification, fault management and reporting are controlled by Minacom`s DirectQuality R7 web-based OSS, already deployed by over 70 service providers worldwide.