Packet8 & Cascade Networks Bring Wireless Internet Services to Mt. St. Helens Commemorative Event18 May 2005
Tomorrow, as dignitaries and high level government officials gather at the base of Mt. St. Helens to mark 25 years since the 1980 eruption, a sophisticated high speed wireless network will facilitate data and voice communications in an efficient and invisible manner, despite the remoteness of this isolated location.
8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT - News), provider of Packet8 broadband voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications services, has partnered with wireless internet service provider Cascade Networks to deploy a powerful communications network that will serve as a backbone for this high profile event commemorating the volcano's massive eruption 25 years ago.
The "Reflection and Renewal" event, sponsored by Weyerhaeuser Company, will take place on Wednesday, May 18 starting at 10 AM at the Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center, which sits in the 1980 blast zone on the northwest side of the crater. Many area dignitaries, including Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, and high level administrators from the federal government will be in attendance.
Cascade Networks has deployed a Motorola Canopy 20 Megabit Backhaul along with a dozen standard telephones and Packet8 Internet phone adapters to provide attendees and media with internet voice and high-speed wireless data services for laptops and PDAs. Normally, the Center is served by a combination of traditional dial-up Internet access and four copper-pair phones that have been less than reliable in the past. Due to the remote nature of the site, it lies outside the coverage area for most cellular phone providers.
"We are honored to provide high speed wireless Internet connectivity for this important memorial event," said Brian Magnuson, president of Cascade Networks, Inc. (dba Last Mile Gear). "With this framework in place, attending media and VIP guests will remain connected to the outside world, able to readily share their observations of how Mt. St. Helens has evolved over the past two and a half decades."
Speakers at the event will reflect back on how the 1980 eruption impacted lives and the landscape. They will also celebrate the renewal of the surrounding forest, which was leveled in 1980 but today is healthy and productive.
"The advantages of wireless internet technology and VoIP are beautifully illustrated in this scenario," said 8x8 Chairman & CEO Bryan Martin. "Where landline and cell phones fail to operate, broadband phone service driven by a sophisticated wireless network facilitates a powerful and flexible solution that would otherwise not be possible."
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 Packet8 DV 326 VideoPhone, the industry's first stand alone broadband consumer videophone. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP system 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 www.8x8.com.
About Cascade Networks
Cascade Networks, Inc. specializes in providing robust data solutions in geographically challenging environments for a client base that ranges from enterprise to residential users. Cascade Networks offers a complete portfolio of products and services that include Wireless Internet Service, Fiber Optic Connectivity, and custom engineered hardware solutions based on the Motorola Canopy family of wireless internet products. Cascade Networks, Inc. is also the parent company of Last Mile Gear an award winning manufacturer and developer of wireless high-speed data solutions. For more information about Cascade Networks or Last Mile Gear visit our website at http://www.cni.net .
About Weyerhaeuser Company
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2004, sales were $22.7 billion. It has offices or operations in 19 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction, development and related activities. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser's businesses, products and practices is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.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.
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Source: 8x8, Inc.
Source: PR Newswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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