8x8, Inc. Launches Packet8 MobileTalk(TM) International Calling Service for Mobile Phone Users

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. , provider of Packet8 (http://www.packet8.net) broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), videophone and mobile VoIP communication services, today announced the launch of Packet8 MobileTalk(TM), an easy to use mobile calling service that offers a simple, affordable and high quality digital voice solution to overseas calling.
Packet8 MobileTalk utilizes a downloadable software application that can currently reside on any Windows, Palm or Symbian based mobile phone to seamlessly connect international calls from the mobile phone to the Packet8 digital VoIP network. Routing these calls over the Packet8 network enables cell phone users to significantly reduce their international phone bills and maintain high international voice quality while still enjoying the convenience and flexibility of mobile calling.
"Packet8 MobileTalk is a breakthrough application that dramatically improves the international mobile calling experience from start to finish," said 8x8 Chairman and CEO Bryan R. Martin. "Most mobile phone users typically avoid placing overseas calls from their cell phones because of the exorbitant rates their mobile carriers are charging. With Packet8 MobileTalk, subscribers won't think twice about calling Europe or Asia because instead of $1.00 to $3.00 per minute, they will be paying as little as $.02 to $.05 per minute over the Packet8 network to most destinations. With more than 340 mobile phones from any cell phone carrier currently supported, the Packet8 MobileTalk service is a vital tool for mobile business professionals and consumers."
Unlike calling card, callback and other reduced-rate international mobile calling services, which require the user to dial numerous key strokes in addition to their destination number or make their calls through cumbersome software applications, Packet8 MobileTalk users can dial calls directly and natively from their mobile handset, contact list or speed dial directory with no additional keystrokes - a significant advantage when, for example, placing a call while driving. Once the destination number is dialed or selected, the Packet8 MobileTalk software application identifies the international prefix being called and redirects the call to a local Packet8 network access number. With Packet8 MobileTalk, all calls are carried to the Packet8 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. Packet8 MobileTalk calls offer unparalleled voice quality as the calls are routed over the award- winning, patent-protected Packet8 digital phone VoIP network.
Customers can sign up for a Packet8 MobileTalk account today at http://mobiletalk.packet8.net and download the application to their mobile device from a PC or, if the customer's existing mobile service plan includes data service, via a quick over-the-air software download.
Customers do not have to subscribe to other Packet8 VoIP or videophone services in order to sign up for Packet8 MobileTalk, though discounted service fees are offered to existing Packet8 VoIP or MobileTalk subscribers. There is a one-time $9.99 activation fee for the service and a monthly fee of $9.99 for non-Packet 8 subscribers. Existing Packet8 VoIP subscribers, including subscribers with one Packet8 MobileTalk account, pay a monthly service fee of $4.99. Packet8 MobileTalk overseas calls are billed at Packet8's low international rates which can be found at http://www.packet8.net/international_services/. To view a demo of Packet8 MobileTalk go to http://mobiletalk.packet8.net/demo.html.
About 8x8, Inc.
8x8, Inc., the second largest standalone VoIP service provider in the U.S., 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 $24.99 per month for unlimited anytime calling to the U.S., Canada and eight additional countries, 8x8 offers the Packet8 Tango Video Terminal Adapter along with accompanying monthly service plans also priced at $24.99 per month. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP phone system for small to medium sized businesses, is a hosted PBX solution comprised of powerful business class features. Companies subscribing to Virtual Office pay just $49.99 per month per extension for enterprise class PBX functionality along with unlimited local and long distance calling in the U.S. and Canada. The Packet8 Complete Contact Center(TM) is a hosted multimedia call center distribution and management platform that works with any broadband Internet service and provides enterprise class contact center functionality combined with Virtual Office hosted iPBX calling features and business calling plans. Packet8 Softalk Office(TM), 8x8's PC-based soft phone client, offers high quality voice and video in-network calling as well as outbound calling to the PSTN. Packet8 MobileTalk(TM) is a breakthrough mobile service that dramatically improves the overall mobile international calling experience by routing overseas mobile phone calls over the award-winning, patent-protected Packet8 digital VoIP network. For additional company information, visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.com.
NOTE: 8x8, the 8x8 logo, Packet8, the Packet8 logo, Packet8 Virtual Office, Packet8 Softalk, Packet8 Tango and Packet8 MobileTalk are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Source: money.cnn.com