News Item

8x8 Partners With First Communications to Launch Co-Branded Internet Phone Service Offering

9/19/2005

  BOSTON, FALL 2005 VON, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT - News), the Packet8 broadband voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider, today announced it has signed an agreement with First Communications LLC to launch a complete suite of co-branded VoIP services for residential and business customers.

Based in Akron, Ohio, First Communications currently serves more than 130,000 residential and business customers across the U.S. with local and long-distance phone service as well as advanced data solutions. Since its establishment in 1984, First Communications has expanded its scope of services to include wireless internet, toll free service, VPN and Frame Relay services, Local T1s, customized enterprise technology solutions and now, VoIP phone service. The company has also begun development of a BPL (Broadband Over Power Lines) Internet service that would allow the end-user to connect to the Internet wirelessly or through any household electrical outlet.

"First Communications is a forward thinking organization with the momentum and vision needed to successfully introduce VoIP phone service to their customers," said 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales Huw Rees. "Our partnership will enable them to immediately launch a scalable, market ready VoIP solution that meets the needs of their customer base while offering the technological flexibility to support their long term strategic initiatives."

Under terms of the agreement, First Communications will offer local, long distance and international voice and video internet phone services utilizing Packet8 VoIP offerings. This will initially include the Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Unlimited Global and Business 2000 calling plans along with accompanying endpoint devices -- Packet8 BPA 410 adapter, Packet8 VideoPhone and Uniden/Packet 8 Whole House VoIP System. Later, the Virtual Office VoIP-Hosted PBX service for small to medium sized businesses will be added to the mix.

"The partnership with Packet 8 allows us to enter the VoIP market with an experienced provider and a proven technology," said Jamie Rowlands, Director of Marketing & Sales at First Communications. "With the addition of VoIP, we have the opportunity to offer additional services and savings to our customers."

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 $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 www.8x8.com.

About First Communications

First Communications is a full-service telecommunications company that has served Ohio and a national customer base for over 20 years. First Communications offers its customers state-of-the-art technologies coupled with first-rate customer care. First Communications offers local and long-distance phone packages and cellular service to residential customers and local and long-distance phone packages, cellular service, high-speed Internet access and data services to business consumers. First Communications, headquartered in Akron, is located at 3340 West Market Street and on the web at www.firstcomm.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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