Packet8 VideoPhones Assist Emergency Personnel in Hurricane Disaster Relief Effort11 September 2005
100 Packet8 VideoPhones, donated by a shareholder of Internet phone service provider 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT), have been sent to Louisiana and Florida to aid in the
disaster relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The Packet8 VideoPhones were delivered to Florida-based F4W, Inc., a leading developer of tactical wireless solutions for public safety, emergency response and homeland security. On August 31, 2005, F4W announced the deployment of the Tactical Wireless Emergency Broadband Network (TWEB(TM)) to assist disaster relief efforts in the hardest hit areas of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and greater New Orleans, Louisiana.
F4W has been contracted by the U.S. Coast Guard to deploy several TWEB networks to provide secure wireless internet and phone service at locations within the Naval Air Station Joint Rescue Base, the Coast Guard Air Operations Center, the Coast Guard Station in Metairie Louisiana, and Pollution Response Operations in Baton Rouge Louisiana; headquarters for the massive environmental cleanup operations throughout the Louisiana basin.
F4W initially contacted 8x8 to purchase Packet8 terminal adapters and phone service for use in its TWEB VoIP network. The subsequent VideoPhone donation, which includes two years of service per phone, came about as a gesture of support from one of the company's shareholders who wished to remain anonymous.
"On behalf of all 8x8 employees, board members and shareholders, I'd like to express our gratitude to the individual shareholder who so generously spearheaded this effort," said 8x8 Chairman and CEO Bryan Martin. "The advantages of VoIP communication technology in crisis situations like this ring loud and clear. Like all Americans, our hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and we are happy that, in some small way, our technology can contribute to the task of rebuilding the devastated communities of the Gulf
Coast."
When traditional, hard-wired communication and power lines are damaged or fail to operate, wireless, high-speed networks can provide instant broadband communications without the need for a fixed infrastructure. VoIP technology works with these wireless broadband networks, as well as with DSL, cable internet and T1 lines, to deliver feature rich voice and video communications.
Allan Edwards, CEO of F4W said, "In an area of vast devastation with no traditional phone lines, cell phone or public safety radio services, the F4W TWEB network will provide critical communications for relief agencies and a lifeline from the disaster area to the outside world. F4W will do everything possible to extend these services wherever they are needed."
"It is partners like Packet 8 that make these efforts a success. Their timely response enabled services to be available for critical use in hours, not days," said Keith Money, COO of F4W.
In addition to providing Internet phone service for the relief effort, 8x8 will replace, at no cost to the subscriber, any Packet8 equipment that may have been lost or suffered damage from Hurricane Katrina.
About F4W
Based in Lake Mary, Florida, F4W is a developer of proprietary 4th Generation Mobile Broadband Wireless Services, applications, and products. F4W's unique tactical network products for Public Safety and Vertical Industries create mobile ad hoc networks designed for specific use and function. These self-forming networks and unique collaboration software provide secure, simple to use networks that provide real-time video, VoIP, and data services to users wherever they are, whenever they need it. For
additional company information, visit F4W's web site at http://www.freedom4wireless.com.
About 8x8, Inc.
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service provider 8x8, Inc. offers internet-based telephony solutions ( http://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 additional company information, visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.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.
SOURCE 8x8, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.8x8.com
Source: PR Newswire Europe
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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