America Online Launches Internet Phone Service

America Online, Inc. today began the rollout of the AOL Internet Phone Service, an enhanced Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that offers current and new AOL members a valuable new choice for all of their voice, e-mail and instant messaging communications needs.

Starting today, America Online will introduce the AOL Internet Phone Service in more than 40 markets across the United States, the first phase of a nationwide rollout that will continue to additional cities over the coming months.

Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO, America Online, Inc., said, "The AOL Internet Phone Service will uniquely combine advanced tools, competitive pricing plans and AOL's hallmark ease of use to allow mass-market consumers to take full advantage of the revolution underway in Internet voice technology.

With this launch, America Online is offering new AOL customers a special introductory package rate of $29.99 per month for the first six months for the AOL Internet Phone Service and the AOL service.

As a limited time offer in conjunction with the first phase of the rollout of the new service, America Online is giving current AOL members who sign up a free wireless home network base station.

The AOL Internet Phone Service transforms an existing high-speed Internet connection into an innovative voice and data service with enhanced features, giving consumers unprecedented ease, control and convenience over their day-to-day communications.

What sets the AOL Internet Phone Service apart is its suite of convenient features - many of which are not currently available with other telephone services - including unified voice, e-mail and instant messaging, enhanced voicemail and call management capabilities, online presence awareness, and more.

James Tobin, Vice President, Voice Strategy for America Online, Inc., said, "AOL sees integrated voice and data features as a natural extension of our leadership in Internet communications - and the voice, e-mail and instant messaging services the company already offers.

America Online is working with world-class partners to provide the proven infrastructure required to ensure success. Level 3 Communications is providing a managed VoIP infrastructure needed to deliver a service with a broad footprint in the markets targeted, as well as Enhanced 911 (E-911) capability and Local Number Portability.

America Online is also working with Linksys and NETGEAR, leading networking hardware manufacturers, to offer unique devices for the AOL Internet Phone Service that combine telephone adapter and home router technologies.