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8x8 Announces New Features for Packet8 Voice Over IP Telephone and Videophone Services
[July 27, 2004]

8x8 Announces New Features for Packet8 Voice Over IP Telephone and Videophone Services

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. , the Packet8 broadband voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider, today announced the availability of popular new features for its residential broadband telephone and videophone service.


The new features are provided at no additional cost to all Packet8 subscribers and work on both the standard residential telephone service as well as the new videophone service. They include:
-- Call Return, *69, a service that allows a subscriber to automatically call back the last incoming local call, whether it was answered or not, without having to dial the number;
-- Call Waiting Disable, *70, a service that allows a subscriber to disable call waiting on a per call basis and send all new callers to voicemail;
-- Do Not Disturb, *78/*79, a service that allows users privacy without missing important messages. When the "Do Not Disturb" feature is activated, calls are routed to voicemail. A modified dial tone is presented to the subscriber, indicating do not disturb is enabled;
-- Anonymous Call Blocking, *77/*87, a service that allows a subscriber to block calls from anonymous callers. If a caller has their identity blocked or sends unidentifiable information to a Packet8 number and anonymous call blocking is enabled, the caller will get a busy signal or voicemail depending on the subscriber account configuration. A modified dial tone is presented to the subscriber, indicating anonymous call blocking is enabled; and
-- Local Number Portability (LNP) allows Packet8 subscribers to retain their local telephone, cellular, or internet telephone service providers' phone numbers when switching service providers. Packet8 offers this service free of charge to new or existing subscribers. This service is available only in areas where Packet8 has local exchange availability and may not be available to all subscribers.
The new services can be activated by downloading and installing the latest version of software for the Packet8 DTA (Desktop Terminal Adaptor) at http://www.packet8.net/upgrade. Packet8 support is available 24x7 to assist customers who have questions or need assistance.
"We are pleased to announce the release of these new features to our subscribers," said Dr. Barry Andrews, president of 8x8. "These are some of the most requested features and we expect to announce additional value added services and features in the future. Our goal is to provide the best possible, high quality service with exceptional customer support at a great price point."
About 8x8, Inc.
8x8, Inc. offers the Packet8 voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service and Packet8 Virtual Office (http://www.packet8.net/). For additional company information, visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.com/.
About Packet8 and Packet8 Virtual Office
Packet8 enables anyone with high-speed access to the Internet to sign up for voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service at http://www.packet8.net/. Customers can choose a direct-dial phone number from any of the more than 270 area codes and 2400 local prefixes offered by the service, and then use an 8x8-supplied terminal adapter to connect any telephone to a broadband internet connection and make or receive calls from a regular telephone number. For $19.95/month, Packet8 subscribers can make unlimited calls to any telephone number in the United States and Canada, and unlimited calls to any other Packet8 subscriber anywhere in the world. Calls to non-Packet8 numbers outside the United States and Canada are charged at the additional per-minute rates available at http://www.packet8.net/about/international.asp. All Packet8 accounts come with voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, call waiting caller ID, call forwarding, hold, line-alternate, 3-way conferencing, web access to account controls, and real-time online billing.
Packet8 Virtual Office allows business users anywhere in the world to be part of a virtual PBX that includes auto attendants, conference bridges, extension-to-extension dialing, ring groups and a host of other business class PBX features, while still enjoying unlimited phone calls anywhere in the United States and Canada and the same low, per-minute international rates available in Packet8's residential plans. With Packet8 Virtual Office, each extension has its own direct dial telephone number which can be any telephone number on the Packet8 network, regardless of geographical location, and can make unlimited extension-to-extension calls anywhere in the world.
NOTE: 8x8, the 8x8 logo, Packet8, the Packet8 logo and Packet8 Virtual Office are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
8x8, Inc.


CONTACT: press, Joan Citelli of 8x8, Inc., +1-408-316-1290, [email protected]



Web site: http://www.8x8.com/

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