[March 7, 2005]

Launch: 8x8 Two-Line Adapter & Uniden VoIP Phone

BY JOHANNE TORRES

Sounds like 8x8, Inc. is starting the week just right; the company made some big announcements today. The broadband voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider today made public its partnership with Uniden America Corporation to jointly develop a fully integrated, service-ready whole house VoIP phone system; and also announced the company’s release of its new broadband two-line access VoIP adapter.

8x8 and Uniden unveiled today the new Packet8-enabled UIP1868, a 5.8GHz digital expandable corded/cordless phone with built-in VoIP technology. The device is expandable with up to ten handsets, deploying VoIP capability to each handset using a single broadband Internet connection. Both companies teamed up with Centillium Communications in order to integrate its Voice Services Platform (VSP) and 8x8’s Internet telephony software, making the device offer plug-and-play access to Packet8’s broadband telephone service.

“With Uniden’s expertise in the consumer electronics industry and 8x8’s strength in voice and video communications technology, we are offering one of the most advanced telecommunications packages for future VoIP subscribers,” said 8x8 president Barry Andrews. “Consumers making the transition to VoIP phone service can feel confident that with the Uniden/Packet8 option, they will receive one of the industry’s most reliable and sophisticated Internet telephone solutions.”

Uniden’s UIP1868 supports one telephone and one fax line and is compatible with Uniden’s TCX800, TCX400, TCX440, CLX500 and ELT560 flip-design phone accessory cordless handsets. The unit also offers features such as call waiting, caller ID, handset speakerphone, four-way conferencing, DirectLink two-way radio capability and a do not disturb setting.

8x8 also announced the release of its new Packet8 BPA-410 today. The new VoIP adapter is equipped with two switched Ethernet ports and two RJ-11 phone service ports, allowing for multiple Packet8 service plan access without any additional hardware.

The company’s Packet8 BPA-410 currently carries a suggested retail price of $69.95 with a monthly service fee of $19.95 per line for unlimited calls to the US and Canada. Activation fees are $29.95 for the first line and $9.95 for the second line.

“Many of our customers have been asking for a low-cost device with two phone lines,” said Huw Rees, 8x8 VP of Marketing & Sales. “The BPA-410 enables customers to install multiple lines of Packet8 VoIP service with one device. The switched Ethernet port also reduces the wiring issues associated with simultaneous VoIP service and high-speed internet access.”

8x8, Inc.
www.8x8.com

Uniden America Corporation
www.uniden.com

Centillium Communications, Inc.
www.centillium.com