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8x8 Adds Fry's Electronics to Growing List of Packet8 Retailers SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. , the Packet8 broadband voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider, announced that beginning August 27th, Fry's Electronics, a leading electronics retailer serving the western U.S., will be offering the Packet8 Broadband Videophone and Packet8 Broadband Phone Adapter.The Packet8 Broadband Videophone transmits high quality audio and crisp instant-on video communications over a standard broadband Internet connection with the ease and convenience of regular telephone service. Previous videophone technology has been limited by bandwidth capabilities of the PSTN (public switched telephone network), which hampered the delivery of crisp real-time video images. Because it is based on SIP, an international Internet protocol standard, the Packet8 videophone achieves a level of technology and performance sophistication previously not possible. The Packet8 Broadband Phone Adapter enables Internet users to enhance the functionality of their high speed connection with a telephone service that is affordable, as easy to use as a regular telephone, and bundled with many advanced features not included with traditional circuit-switched telephone services. Packet8 recently became the first VoIP residential telephone service to offer "real" E911 service, which automatically routes calls and computer-based "screen pops" of caller information to emergency personnel at local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). "We are very pleased that a respected retail chain like Fry's has acknowledged the strength and potential of our Packet8 offerings," said Huw Rees, 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales. "Our voice products represent the industry's easiest to use and most affordable VoIP telephone service available, and our broadband videophone service opens up new ways of communicating and staying in touch with friends and family. Consumers that are thinking about trying VoIP and broadband communications can get 'hands-on' with Packet8 at all Fry's Electronics locations." 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 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. The Packet8 Videophone service, introduced in June 2004, delivers high-quality, full-motion video and clear, delay-free audio over any broadband (high-speed Cable, DSL or corporate LAN) Internet connection. Designed with both residential and business customers in mind, this powerful standalone videophone enhances calls while saving consumers money on their phone bills. Using 8x8's Packet8 broadband phone service, Packet8 Videophone subscribers receive unlimited video calling and regular voice calling in the U.S. and Canada for a low monthly flat-rate, as well as enjoying unlimited worldwide video and audio-only calling to other Packet8 subscribers. The Packet8 Virtual Office service allows users anywhere in the world to group multiple Packet8 lines into a virtual business telephone system that includes extension-to-extension dialing, auto attendants, conference bridges, ring groups and a host of other business class PBX features. Packet8 Virtual Office subscribers also enjoy 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. About Fry's Electronics Fry's Electronics, Inc. was founded in 1985 in Sunnyvale, California in a 20,000 square foot location by the three Fry brothers, John, Randy, and Dave, and Kathryn Kolder. Fry's is a closely held private company, with active involvement from all of the founders in the daily operation of the business. Fry's was founded as a Silicon Valley retail electronics store in order to provide a one-stop-shopping environment for the Hi-tech Professional. Fry's has been keeping Hi-Tech Professionals supplied with products representing the latest technological trends and advances in the personal computer marketplace for over 18 years. Fry's retails over 50,000 electronics items within each store. There are currently seven stores in Northern California and eight stores in Southern California, six stores in Texas, two stores in Arizona, and one store each in Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Nevada and Georgia. The stores range in size from 50,000 to over 200,000 square feet. Fry's also provides customers with added shopping opportunities via its online center at Fry's Outpost.com. 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: media, Joan Citelli of 8x8, Inc., +1-408-316-1290, [email protected] Web site: http://www.packet8.net/about/international.asp Web site: http://www.packet8.net/ Web site: http://www.8x8.com/ |