 Linksys embeds Net2Phone VoIP Technology into external plug-in
for existing Broadband Routers and Residential Gateways
The EtherFast® Cable/DSL Voice Enabler, Powered by Net2Phone
will be premiered the Linksys Booth #1945 at Networld + Interop
in Las Vegas.
Linksys’ One-Million+ Users Can Now Use their Broadband Devices
for Phone Calling with the Purchase of the Enabler
LAS VEGAS, NV - May 7, 2001 -- Net2Phone® Inc. (NASDAQ: NTOP),
a leading provider of voice and enhanced services on IP networks,
and Linksys®, a leading manufacturer of broadband, wireless
and networking hardware for the home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO)
and Small/Medium Business (SMB) corporate environments, today announced
that Linksys will offer an add-on hardware device with Net2Phones
Voice over IP (VoIP) technology for existing Cable/DSL routers and
residential gateways.
The device, called the EtherFast® Cable/DSL Voice Enabler,
powered by Net2Phone (Model # BEFN2PE), will provide users with
a phoneline instantly to a home or office broadband network using
existing broadband connections.
The Enabler is a stand-alone hardware device that plugs into a
broadband router like the popular Linksys EtherFast 4- Port Cable/DSL
Router or residential gateway solutions via a LAN uplink port. Because
broadband routers and most residential gateways are always-on devices,
users will have an always-on IP dial tone to make outbound calls
domestically or internationally anytime. The Enabler will include
the same Net2Phone Broadband Voice® VoIP phone calling technology
embedded in the EtherFast Cable/DSL & Voice Router, powered
by Net2Phone (BEFN2PS4) that was released in January.
This relationship with Linksys is part of Net2Phone’s strategy
to voice enable IP networks worldwide. By enabling broadband networks
for voice services, Net2Phone can provide rich and intelligent dial
tone to consumers and businesses. Users can then make the most of
their existing broadband connections for voice and data, driving
the ultimate convergence of networks.
"We have seen tremendous success in sales and customer satisfaction
of our Broadband router with the built-in Net2Phone VoIP capabilities,
so we wanted to offer the technology to our over one-million Cable/DSL
router customers," said Janie Tsao, Linksys Vice President of
Business Development. "The Enabler will be a complementary hardware
add-on to existing broadband routers and gateways because of the
ease of use and set up as well as the added benefit of making phone
calls with the same setup as accessing the Internet."
"Linksys is providing consumers with leading next generation
technology. Through the rollouts of the Enabler and the Voice Router,
users can leverage their existing broadband connection to gain an
extra phone line at home at no added cost," said David Rafiy,
Vice President of OEM Development at Net2Phone. "Consumers are
the ultimate winner here by having more choice when selecting phone
service using the latest in home networking technology."
To make phone calls, plug in an ordinary touch-tone telephone,
including cordless phones, into the RJ-11 phone jack port on the
Enabler, set up the Enabler through the easy web configuration process,
followed by activating your account via the Net2Phone web page,
then dial normally. Users can call any phone in the world at low
per-minute rates. Users making outbound calls do not need to have
their PCs on, but can access their account online to track calls
or determine minutes used or left on their account through Net2Phone
web-based account manager. This is truly a benefit for home or small
business broadband router owners because it gives an added benefit
and resource to their broadband connection - an additional free
outbound phone line, without any set up charges, and the ability
to make low-cost phone calls.
Instead of monthly fees associated with traditional phone lines,
Net2Phone will only be charging per-minute rates for as low as 3.9
cents a minute domestically, which could be approximately 50 percent
less than traditional calling costs. Net2Phone and Linksys are also
offering up to 160 minutes of FREE Internet phone calls when customers
purchase the EtherFast Cable/DSL Voice Enabler ($119 ESP) or the
EtherFast Cable/DSL &Voice Router ($199 ESP). The Voice Router is
immediately available through US and Canadian online resellers,
retail stores, direct response and distribution, while the Enabler
will be available starting in mid to late June through online resellers.
Net2Phone will also be offering a $30 rebate to customers who buy
the Enabler online through online resellers.
Future offerings for both solutions will include advanced voice
services such as voice-activated dialing, caller ID, and inbound
calling. Net2Phone and Linksys are also working to add calling plans
that support voice-router to voice-router call capabilities.
Net2Phone and Linksys will be demonstrating the EtherFast Cable/DSL
Voice Enabler, powered by Net2Phone at Networld + Interop in Las
Vegas this week at booth 1945, North Hall in the Las Vegas Convention
Center.
About Net2Phone®
Net2Phone, Inc delivers voice and enhanced services over IP networks
worldwide. Net2Phone enables people to place low-cost high quality
calls from their computer, telephone, or fax machine to any telephone
or fax machine in the world. Net2Phone develops and markets technology
and services for IP voice and e-commerce solutions for the web and
other IP networks. Net2Phone's strategic investors include America
Online, AT&T, Softbank, and Yahoo!. For more information about Net2Phone's
products and services, please visit www.net2phone.com
About Linksys®
Linksys, an award-winning leader in the development of wireless,
broadband and LAN networking solutions for the home, Small Office/Home
Office (SOHO) and Small/Medium Business (SMB) corporate environments,
is the number-one manufacturer of networking hardware in the retail
and e-commerce channels and the fastest growing networking solution
provider for the SMB corporate sector. Linksys products emphasize
speed, affordability, reliability, ease of installation and widespread
compatibility and are sold through leading distributors, computer
resellers, direct response and E-commerce and retail stores worldwide.
For more information, visit the Linksys web site at www.linksys.com
, email at sales@linksys.com
or call toll-free 1-800-LINKSYS (546-5797).
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