SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT), provider of 8x8 Virtual Office and Packet8 (www.packet8.net) broadband business, residential, video and mobile communications services, today announced the availability of its MobileTalk mobile international calling service for popular Blackberry smart phones, including the Google Android, Blackberry Storm and Blackberry Bold.
Offering international calling rates such as $.01 per minute to China, $.03 per minute to Mexico, $.04 to the United Kingdom and $.059 per minute to India, 8x8's MobileTalk service enables cell phone users to significantly reduce their international phone bills and maintain high digital voice quality while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of on-the-go mobile calling. With this latest software release, applicable to Google's Android (G1), Bold (9000), Storm (9500 and 9530) and all other Blackberry devices with OS Version 4.6 and 4.7, 8x8's MobileTalk service now supports nearly 700 different models and makes of mobile phones, including all versions of the Apple iPhone.
MobileTalk utilizes a downloadable software application that can reside on any Windows, Palm, RIM, Symbian-based or iPhone mobile phone to seamlessly connect international calls from that device to the 8x8 digital communications network. Unlike calling card, callback and other reduced-rate international mobile calling services, which require the user to dial numerous key strokes or make calls through cumbersome software applications, MobileTalk users can dial calls directly and natively from their mobile handset, contact list or speed dial directory with no additional keystrokes. Once the destination number is dialed or selected, the MobileTalk software application identifies the international prefix being called and redirects the call to a local 8x8 network access number automatically. With the MobileTalk service, all calls are carried to the 8x8 network over the subscriber's existing cellular voice phone service and do not require access to an expensive monthly data plan or WiFi access point.
Customers can sign up for a MobileTalk account at http://mobiletalk.packet8.net and download the application to their mobile device from a PC or via a quick over-the-air software download. All MobileTalk overseas calls are billed at 8x8's low international rates which can be found at www.packet8.net/international_services/. A complete list of supported devices can be found at http://www.packet8.net/mobile_services/supported_phones.aspx. To view a demo of the MobileTalk service, go to http://mobiletalk.packet8.net/demo.aspx#flash.
About 8x8, Inc.
8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT) offers voice, video and mobile communications solutions for business and residential customers. These solutions leverage existing broadband Internet connections and cellular networks to deliver advanced features and digital quality phone service at a fraction of the cost of legacy, copper wire alternatives. Businesses of any size, configuration or geographic location can benefit from the cost, performance and operational advantages of VoIP technology. All 8x8 communications solutions carry little or no upfront investment, no maintenance or upgrade fees and no change in user behavior. For additional information, visit www.8x8.com or www.packet8.net.