EarthLink Selects Manufacturer for its Wi-Fi Phone Service Initiative
2007-03-20 09:08 ET - News Release
ATLANTA, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EarthLink has selected Accton Technology Corporation (TAIEX: 2345), a global premier provider of networking and communications equipment, to manufacture handsets for the company's Wi-Fi phone initiative. EarthLink Wi-Fi phones will allow consumers to save money by making high-quality phone calls over the Internet using a wireless handset. EarthLink is beta testing phones on the company's municipal wireless network in Anaheim, Calif.
"What separates our Wi-Fi phone from others is its ability to work over EarthLink's municipal Wi-Fi networks," said Steve Howe, EarthLink's senior vice president of voice. "This means that EarthLink is now bringing cheap phone calls using the Internet to the world of mobile -- a major breakthrough. We expect that many people who use cell phones today in our municipal Wi-Fi markets will want to switch to a Wi-Fi phone to take advantage of the significant cost savings." He added that EarthLink's Wi-Fi phones round-out the company's full suite of Internet voice products, which also include trueVoice, a low-cost telephone service, and DSL and Home Phone Service, which combines low-cost phone service with ultra-fast high speed Internet.
"We are very pleased to partner with EarthLink," said Ken Lu, president of Accton Technology. "Providing Accton's SIP-based Wi-Fi phone to EarthLink proves that Accton's VoIP design and manufacturing quality meets different next-generation voice service standards and provides the great cost saving to consumers."
EarthLink Wi-Fi phones will allow consumers to make Internet phone calls from a wireless handset to any traditional landline, cell phone or VoIP phone. The handsets will work directly on EarthLink's municipal wireless networks and can also connect via a wireless router attached to the user's wired home broadband network. Service and the phone handset will be free during the Anaheim beta test. Anticipated price plans for the consumer roll-out after the beta test include:
-- $14.95 a month for 500 anytime outbound domestic minutes, and free, unlimited inbound minutes. -- $24.95 for unlimited domestic minutes. -- $100 one-time charge for equipment, including the Wi-Fi phone handset and a cradle that functions as a charger and a Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g router inside the home.
EarthLink will provide consumers with a complete Wi-Fi phone solution for an easy and smooth installation. EarthLink's Wi-Fi phone package comes with a handset and a cradle that acts a charger as well as an indoor Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g router. The cradle is plugged into a power source and a broadband Ethernet connection. When consumers are in the coverage area of the cradle or any EarthLink municipal wireless network, the phone will automatically be connected to EarthLink's voice network.
Customers in the Anaheim area who wish to participate in the beta can sign up by calling 1-800-352-7650.
Wi-Fi phones are the newest product offering from the EarthLink Voice team. Other products in the company's suite of Internet voice services include EarthLink trueVoice, an ATA-based, low-cost telephone service that enables high-quality local and long-distance calling via any high-speed Internet service, and EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service, which combines convenient, low-cost telephone service with up to 8.0 mbps of ultra-fast high-speed Internet all on one bill. EarthLink DSL and Home Phone Service is a line- powered VoIP service, which mean calls are made using a traditional telephone handset with no special equipment needed.
For more information about EarthLink's voice services please go to http://www.earthlink.net/voice .
About EarthLink
"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink connects people to the power and possibilities of the Internet. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net .
About Accton Technology Corporation
Accton Technology Corporation (TAIEX: 2345) is a global premier provider of networking and communications solutions for top tier networking, computer, and telecommunications vendors. Leveraging its advanced software applications and state-of-the-art ASIC, Accton collaborates with its strategic partners to design, develop and manufacture innovative, leading-edge technologies. The company's constantly-evolving core technology, highly-qualified employees and aggressive cost engineering make it possible for Accton to deliver superior products that are as affordable as they are robust. For more information about Accton and its subsidiaries, visit www.accton.com .
EarthLink
CONTACT: Fiona Doherty for EarthLink, +1-212-871-3927, fionad@text100.com,
or Carla Shaw of EarthLink, +1-404-849-1140, shawcm@corp.earthlink.net
$7.21 (02/04/07)
