WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Oct. 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- United Online, Inc. (Nasdaq:UNTD), the nation's leading provider of value-priced Internet access services, and Best Buy, North America's leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics, personal computers, entertainment software and appliances, today announced that they have officially launched their nationwide marketing alliance for the NetZero and Juno brands of value-priced Internet access services.
As part of a previously announced three year distribution deal, the NetZero and Juno brands of value-priced Internet access services, including NetZero HiSpeed and Juno Speedband -- United Online's recently launched accelerated dial-up services -- are available in Best Buy stores nationwide and will soon be available on Best Buy's website. NetZero and Juno will be promoted through a combination of Best Buy marketing channels, including in-store marketing, inclusion in Best Buy advertising and employee training. Consumers will have the ability to sign-up for the services through integrated point of sale systems.
"We are very pleased to be teaming with Best Buy, the leading retailer of PC's in America, for our first major retail distribution program," said Brian Woods, EVP and chief marketing officer of United Online, Inc. "Best Buy customers are seeking quality products at value prices, and our NetZero and Juno brands are a great fit for these consumers."
"Our customers who want the choice of high-quality Internet service at a great price will love the value of the NetZero and Juno Internet services," said David Sprosty, vice president and general manager of Subscription Services at Best Buy Company, Inc. "We're hoping even more people will see the Internet within reach with these services and take advantage of all that they have to offer."
The NetZero and Juno brands of Internet access service consist of NetZero Platinum and Juno Platinum $9.95 monthly dial-up services, and NetZero HiSpeed and Juno SpeedBand, next generation dial-up Internet access services that deliver up to five times faster Web surfing*. NetZero HiSpeed and Juno SpeedBand are $14.95 per month**, include the NetZero and Juno Platinum Internet services, work from any phone jack using a standard dial-up connection, and do not require any new hardware. All NetZero and Juno subscription access services offer easy-to-use, reliable Internet service with thousands of access numbers nationwide, feature-rich email and Webmail, compatibility with all of the popular instant messaging products and serve no banner ads.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including the statements that United Online's services will be distributed in Best Buy's stores and on its website. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, that the United Online's services will not be offered in Best Buy channels as anticipated.
* NetZero HiSpeed and Juno SpeedBand do not increase the transmission speed of files or attachments, including music or video. Speed references compared to standard dial-up.
** Additional phone and live tech support charges may apply. Service may not be available in all areas.
About United Online
United Online, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNTD), is the nation's leading provider of value-priced Internet access services through its NetZero, Juno and BlueLight Internet consumer brands. The company's standard services are offered at less than half the standard prices of its major competitors and are available in more than 6,500 cities across the United States and in Canada. United Online is headquartered in Westlake Village, CA, with offices in New York City, San Francisco, CA and Hyderabad, India. For more information about United Online and its Internet services, please visit www.untd.com.