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8x8 to Demonstrate and Sell Packet8 Broadband Phone Services Direct to Consumers at Westfield Valley Fair MallSANTA CLARA, Calif., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. the Packet8 broadband voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider, today launched a new approach for marketing its products and services directly to consumers by opening an interactive sales cart at the Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair mall of Santa Clara. With functioning Packet8 broadband phone adapters and Packet8 VideoPhones on display, interested parties and passersby will be encouraged to make free phone calls, allowing them to test the quality and simplicity of using Packet8. The results from a two-month trial of the Packet8 retail cart will determine whether to expand the method to other high-profile malls throughout the country. "Free standing booths have become a mainstay of modern shopping malls because they offer retailers the opportunity to expose their products to significant foot traffic, said Phillip St. Pierre, General Manager of Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair. "We are excited that 8x8 has selected Valley Fair to educate consumers about their innovative broadband phone service." Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair was chosen for the trial because of its proximity to 8x8 headquarters and because the demographics of its customers indicate the shopping center would be a prime location for consumers who might be interested in adopting Packet8 broadband phone service. "Experience tells us time and time again that consumers are much more willing to sign up for broadband phone service after they've had a chance to see it in action," said 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales Huw Rees. "The retail cart is one of our many attempts to engage potential subscribers by giving them a hands-on opportunity to learn about VoIP technology and the features inherent in the Packet8 service." The Packet8 residential broadband phone service, introduced in November 2002, offers unlimited local and long distance calling to the U.S. and Canada for $19.95 per month and includes calling features such as voicemail, caller ID, local number portability (LNP), unlimited in-network calling, call forwarding and call blocking. For a small monthly charge, Packet8 subscribers can add toll free and virtual numbers as well as E911 support. 8x8 offers a thirty (30) day trial period to new subscribers for their first Packet8 account. If dissatisfied, subscribers are entitled to a full refund of the equipment cost, activation fee and monthly service fee. About 8x8, Inc. VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) service provider 8x8, Inc. offers internet-based telephony solutions (http://www.packet8.net/) for individual residential and business users as well as small to medium sized business organizations. In addition to regular Packet8 VoIP service plans, priced as low as $19.95 per month for unlimited anytime calling to the U.S. and Canada, 8x8 now offers the Packet8 DV 326 VideoPhone, the industry's first stand alone broadband consumer videophone. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP hosted PBX service for small to medium sized businesses, is a hosted PBX solution comprised of powerful business class features. For additional company information, visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.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: Joan Citelli of 8x8, Inc., +1-408-687-4320, [email protected] Web site: http://www.8x8.com/ |