WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Sept. 19, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- United Online, Inc. (Nasdaq:UNTD), a leading provider of value-priced Internet access, today announced the availability of V.92 dial-up access numbers to many of its NetZero and Juno users. V.92, a new standard of dial-up modem technology, allows users to receive calls on the same phone line that their modem is connected to without losing their Internet connection and improves the performance of dial-up Internet connections. United Online is the first major national ISP to make V.92 dial-up numbers available to its user base.
When used with V.92 dial-up access numbers, V.92 modems offer user-friendly features such as Modem-On-Hold and Quick Connect, which facilitate easier and more flexible options for dial-up subscribers. V.92 dial-up numbers will now be denoted on the NetZero and Juno dial-up access number Web pages, along with information on V.92, how to best utilize the features of V.92, and lists of V.92 modems and Modem-on-Hold software compatible with NetZero and Juno service. NetZero and Juno offer high-quality, easy-to-use value-priced Internet access for $9.95 a month. Both services also offer limited free Internet access plans. For more information or to sign up for NetZero or Juno, go to www.netzero.com or www.juno.com.
"There are a growing number of V.92 modem owners nationwide, but until now users had very few options to actually use this advanced modem technology with an ISP. It was basically technology lying dormant. The availability of V.92 access numbers over NetZero and Juno offers these users a way to utilize the features of this technology," stated Jon Fetveit, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer of United Online. "United Online is focused on offering its users the best means available to access the Internet and create the most enjoyable user experience possible, all the while saving them money over the competition."
The "Modem-On-Hold" feature lets the user put their modem "on hold" and answer an in-coming phone call without losing their Internet connection, eliminating the need to pay for a second phone line. In order to take advantage of the "Modem-on-Hold" feature, a user dials in to NetZero or Juno via a V.92 access number using a compatible V.92 modem along with compatible modem-on-hold software which is normally included with a V.92 modem. In addition, a user's phone must have the call-waiting feature on their phone line from their local phone service. Initially, NetZero and Juno users will have a four minute window to keep their modem "on hold" before the service is disconnected. As an additional benefit, users who have Caller ID through their local telephone company will be able to see who is calling before deciding whether or not to take the call.
The "Quick Connect" feature shortens the time it takes to establish the Internet connection by maintaining a profile of a user's dial-up connection, including specific line conditions, eliminating the re-education process the modem undergoes each time it logs on to the Internet. This feature currently reduces the time it takes for a modem to establish a connection by 4 to 6 seconds.
V.92 technology presents a growing opportunity for ISPs. According to the analyst firm Cahners Instat/MDR, in 2001 close to 11% of all US consumer analog modems shipped were V.92. This number is expected to grow close to 44% in the year 2003 and nearly 100% by the year 2004, according to the firm. With V.92 adoption rates increasing and hundreds of thousands of units already been sold nationwide, V.92 is poised to become the dominant standard for the industry. The availability of V.92 on NetZero and Juno furthers this standard and provides owners of the technology real-world practical usage.
United Online is working with Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT), which provides the V.92 dial-up numbers to NetZero and Juno, and Zoom Telephonics, Inc. (Nasdaq:ZOOM), a leading manufacturer of compatible V.92 modems, to promote this new technology through a variety of marketing opportunities. V.92 access numbers are not available in all NetZero and Juno service areas. V.92 has roughly a 68% footprint over NetZero and Juno's national coverage area.
"We look forward to helping United Online provide its dial-up Internet access subscribers with the speed and cost benefits that V.92 technology enables," said Charles Meyers, senior vice president of Global Softswitch Services for Level 3. "While many providers of wholesale dial-up Internet access service are exiting or retreating from the business, Level 3 is investing aggressively to further increase its fast growing market share and improve the performance of dial-up Internet access."
"We are very excited by United Online's national V.92 service, and by Zoom's selection as the company's client modem launch partner," said Frank Manning, Zoom's President and CEO. "By offering this technology to its user base, United Online demonstrates that V.92 is finally ready for mass deployment, with robust V.92 infrastructure from Level 3 and proven client modems from Zoom. We at Zoom have worked hard for years to make V.92 a reality, providing suburb technology, a broad line of V.92 products, and a strong company committed to a superior consumer experience."
About United Online
United Online, Inc. (Nasdaq:UNTD) is a leading Internet service provider that commenced operations in September 2001 with the merger of NetZero and Juno Online Services. The company offers free and value-priced dial-up Internet access through its NetZero and Juno Internet services in more than 5,000 cities across the United States and in Canada. The company also offers high-speed Internet access in select locations in the United States. United Online is headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., with offices in New York City and Hyderabad, India. For more information about United Online and its Internet access services, please visit www.untd.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others: the unavailability of certain V.92 features; the lack of compatibility with certain modems; the inability of users to receive the benefits of the V.92 technology; and the discontinuation of V.92 compatibility without notice. It should be noted that the "PCM Upstream" feature, which allows for faster uploads, will not be available to NetZero and Juno users. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in the company's Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange commission (http://www.sec.gov) including (without limitation) information under the captions "Management's Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors."