A method for providing voice communications at an optical amplifier site of a DWDM system is disclosed. The method generally comprises receiving an optical service channel at the amplifier site and converting an optical signal of the optical service channel to a digital electrical signal at the amplifier site. The optical service channel carries voice data and has a wavelength that is out of band with respect to wavelength bands of a multiplexed payload channel of the DWDM system. The method further includes sending the digital electrical signal to a router configured to support voice over IP.