Fry's Electronics, a national chain of 31 consumer-oriented
electronics superstores, is the first brick and mortar retailer to stock
the co-branded Packet8/Uniden offering. Beginning September 2005, the
UIP 1868P will also be available at Office Max's nearly 1,000
superstores. The UIP1868P has been available online since July 1 at
Costco.com, Amazon.com, and Packet8.net.
"We are proud to be the first to market with the
industry's first all-in-one, expandable IP phone for consumers,
said 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Huw Rees. "The
Uniden/Packet8 cordless phone system offers a unique combination of
advanced calling features, ease of use and tremendous functionality. We
believe that the simplicity of this device will help motivate consumers
who have been on the fence about using VoIP phone service to finally
give it a try."
"Uniden and 8x8 are pleased to announce that these
industry-leading retailers will now be delivering the UIP1868P to
consumers," said Brett Morrison, national sales manager in charge
of IP products and business communications at Uniden. "As consumers
visit these retail outlets they will be able view the extended features
of this product and, better understand the benefits of VoIP
telephony."
Introduced in March 2005, the UIP1868P is a 5.8GHz digital
expandable corded/cordless phone with built-in VoIP technology and full
router functionality, eliminating the need for separate adapter and
router devices. This all-in-one whole house phone system is expandable
with up to ten cordless handsets, deploying VoIP capability to each
handset using a single broadband Internet connection. Incorporating
8x8's patented Internet telephony software, the UIP1868P offers
plug-and-play access to Packet8's feature-rich broadband telephone
service.
The UIP1868P base station supports one telephone and one fax line
and is compatible with four of Uniden's accessory cordless
handsets, including the TCX805, TCX400, TCX440 and ELXT500, a
flip-design phone. The unit also offers features such as call waiting,
caller ID, handset speakerphone, four-way conferencing, DirectLink(TM)
two-way radio capability and a do not disturb setting.
Packet8 residential broadband phone service offers unlimited local
and long distance calling to the U.S. and Canada for $19.95 per month
and includes calling features such as voicemail, local number
portability (LNP), unlimited in-network calling, directory assistance
($.75 per call), call forwarding and call blocking.
The UIP1868P is available at retail for the manufacturer's
suggested price of $199 with a Packet8 $60 mail-in rebate and one free
month of service.
About 8x8, Inc.
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service provider 8x8, Inc.
offers internet-based telephony solutions (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 $99 Packet8
VideoPhone, the industry's first stand alone broadband consumer
videophone with worldwide video calling for $19.95 per month. Packet8
Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP solution for small to medium sized
businesses, is a hosted PBX service comprised of powerful business class
features.
For more information, visit 8x8's web site at
http://www.8x8.com.
About Uniden
Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of
Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufactures and markets wireless
consumer electronic products including cordless telephones, business
telecommunications systems, Bearcat(R) scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine
radios and other wireless personal communications products. Based in
Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden sells its products through dealers and
distributors throughout North, Central and South America.
For more information, call 408/687-4320.
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