Never mind the debate over whether Voice over IP is ready for prime time, VoIP provider Packet8 is on prime time.

The Santa Clara, CA-based company's Broadband VideoPhone is showing up on several popular TV shows this season — including the ABC television network's Emmy award winning spy drama Alias. 

The futuristic device has already been spotted on the desks of CIA Agent Sydney Bristow (played by Jennifer Garner) and her colleagues. And throughout the season, viewers may catch glimpses of VideoPhone conversations between the show's characters.

The phone by 8X8, Packet8's parent company, got the nod, according to Jon Holtzman, president of the marketing agency Eclipse Worldwide, because of its high-tech look.

“Alias called and told us they were looking for some hot-looking, high-tech phones for the new season,” Holtzman said. “We presented the 8x8 Videophones and they loved them, and immediately ordered a dozen to fill the set.”

So does the placement mean that videophones and other broadband internet-based technologies are on their way to mainstream acceptance? Huw Rees, 8X8’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales, thinks so.

“The use of Packet8 VideoPhones on the sets of these prominent television shows underscores the notion that videophones and other broadband internet-enabled technologies like voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephone service, are poised to become mainstream communications vehicles,” Rees said. “We’re pleased that the Packet8 VideoPhone was determined to have the futuristic appeal and functional simplicity these productions were looking for.”

In addition to Alias, the Packet8 Videophone will appear on other shows this season: 24 — The Series, King of Queens, Law & Order SVU, Will & Grace, Stargate Atlantis, Medical Investigation, Eyes, Entourage and Navy NCIS.