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 Net2Phone Introduces Broadband Voice Solutions
Voice and data converge on broadband networks offering simple
and inexpensive voice services
NEWARK, NJ - June 6, 2001 --- Net2Phone Inc. (NASDAQ: NTOP) today
announced the launch of Net2Phone VoiceLineSM, the first service
of its kind, enabling consumers to place and receive telephone calls
over broadband networks using standard telephones without the need
for a PC.
The first product allowing customers to set up phone service by themselves
in less than 15 minutes, VoiceLine customers can plug a standard telephone
into a broadband voice-enabled device (available in retail stores
or at www.net2phone.com) and
then call anywhere in the world with superior quality and significant
cost savings.
By routing phone calls over broadband networks, Net2Phone can provide
consumers with an intelligent IP dial tone, offering services such
as voice-activated dialing, voice portal services, and multiple
messaging features with unparalleled voice quality. These enhanced
services are expected to be rolled out to consumers in the coming
months. The rollout of such enhanced services is further evidence
of the company's strategy to deliver value-added voice services
to consumers, businesses and carriers.
"Our new VoiceLine service enables anyone with a broadband
connection to add secondary line capability in their home without
incurring a monthly line fee, with lower calling plans than traditional
phone services offered today, all through your telephone,"
said Scott Sobel, Vice President of Broadband Services and Solutions.
"The rollout of inbound and outbound calling over broadband
access networks demonstrates our abilities as a next generation
telco, providing services that are competitive to the ILECs with
more dynamic features, such as voice recognition using a dial tone."
VoiceLine customers can sign up for service at www.net2phone.com/broadband.
Customers are billed similarly to a wireless one-rate plan. For
anywhere from $9.99 - $49.99 per month, customers can choose the
calling plan that best fits their needs. Rates range from 2.9 cents
per minute for 1700 domestic minutes per month to 3.9 cents per
minute for 250 domestic minutes per month. International calls are
as low as 7.9 cents per minute. Users will not be charged for incoming
minutes.
VoiceLine customers can track their usage online, and view all
activities related to their calls and bills, including the time,
length, destination, and charge for each call as well as a history
of all payments and credits.
The company's three-pronged strategy for broadband services includes
developing Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions for broadband service
providers, integrating Net2Phone's core technology into broadband
devices, and offering its own solutions directly to consumers. Broadband
service providers can market VoiceLine to their end users as a way
to generate new incremental revenue stream, attract new customers,
and provide a greater suite of services. OEM partners can integrate
Net2Phone's technology into their devices (similar to Linksys) and
offer value-added services to their customers as an opportunity
to generate revenue and provide a competitive advantage. Current
OEM partners include Linksys, Motorola, Polycom and Scientific-Atlanta.
More information about Net2Phone's partnership opportunities can
be found at www.net2phone.com/broadband.
"IP telephony services like Net2Phone's VoiceLine will
allow small businesses and consumers the freedom to choose their
service provider independent of their access provider, indicating
a potential long-term shift in the traditional provider landscape,"
said Elizabeth Farrand, Research Analyst at International Data Corp.
Founded in 1995, Net2Phone is a leading provider of voice and enhanced
services over IP networks to consumers, businesses and carriers
worldwide. With millions of users around the world, Net2Phone enables
toll-quality calls between computers, telephones, and broadband
devices utilizing IP networks. Recognized as the first company to
bridge the Internet with the public switched telephone network,
Net2Phone has routed more than 1.5 billion minutes of traffic over
its award-winning network. Traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol
NTOP, Net2Phone’s strategic partners and investors include AT&T,
America Online, and Yahoo!. Net2Phone also offers enhanced hosted
service solutions, including voice recognition, for businesses around
the world. For more information about Net2Phone's products and services,
please visit www.net2phone.com.
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