AOL Phone Line Launched

I tend not to just lift press release copy, but this is one that tells the story so well about the AIM Phone Line that I just had to run it in total rather than just link to it. This is a big and positive move, though coming one day after the Skype for free announcement it will likely get some skeptical looks on cost for minutes even though AOL is giving away free DIDs. I’ll share real first hand comments later tonight after I install it on a PC I took along this trip knowing this was looming. What I like about this and look forward to trialing back home is the fact that Triton can be on multiple PC’s at the same time and you can answer any of them, just like a real land line.

AOL Launches AIM Phoneline

DULLES, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 16, 2006–AOL

New Service Offers a Free, Local Phone Number and Voicemail to AIM

Users

Leading Industry Providers – Broadwing Communications, Telchemy

and Plantronics – Selected to Support AIM Phoneline Service

AOL today announced the launch of the AIM Phoneline service, a new offering that gives AIM users a free, local phone number to receive unlimited incoming calls online through the AIM service as well as free online voicemail. AIM users can get their free AIM Phoneline number by visiting www.aimphoneline.com and by downloading an updated version of the AIM Triton service now in beta testing.

AIM(R) Phoneline is a new communications enhancement to the AIM(R) service, the leading instant messaging service in the United States, which includes the widely-used Buddy List(R) feature, as well as free email, mobile text messaging, voice and streaming video services. With this launch, AOL is also kicking off the 10th anniversary of the Buddy List feature, an historic product innovation that revolutionized instant messaging and real-time communications, and helped millions to organize their online community n etworks. An interactive timeline and video commemorating the history of the AIM service and the Buddy List feature is available at www.AIM.com/birthday.

With the AIM Phoneline service, AIM users – 18 years of age or older – can get a free, local phone number to use however they like. This number provides always-on voicemail delivered to the user’s AIM Mail inbox, and when users are signed into the AIM service, they can screen incoming calls with Caller ID, answer calls and talk as long as they’d like. Users can also enable the service to send a mobile alert via cell phone to notify them whenever they have new voicemail.

“AIM Phoneline was designed to meet the evolving phone needs of U.S. consumers,” said John McKinley, President, AOL Digital Services. “Our research shows that the need for a separate and confidential phone number is becoming as important to consumers as the need for multi ple email addresses. AIM Phoneline is delivering the first free and easy way to get an additional local phone line that brings a new level of control and flexibility over how we communicate with different people. We’re thrilled to bring even more value to our AIM users by providing a new voice service that perfectly complements their busy lives and builds on existing online and instant messaging behaviors.”

Mr. McKinley added: “For many computer users, it would be hard to imagine what life was like before instant messaging. The launch of our Buddy List feature was an unprecedented phenomenon that helped make instant messaging a must-have communications lifeline that tens of millions of consumers use every day to connect to others online, via mobile devices, phone calls and more. We’re proud of the success AIM has achieved and believe the unique capabilities of AIM Phoneline are a step forward in transforming consumer voice communications.”

A re cent survey by the Opinion Research Corporation revealed that seven out of ten Americans have use for an additional phone line, and 84 percent say they have concerns about sharing their home phone number, particularly as related to their online social and commercial activities(1). There are numerous ways to take advantage of a free AIM Phoneline number, for example: to post on a Web page for social or business networking; to give to new friends or contacts; to give out when making or researching purchases; for connecting with other online buyers and sellers; and much more.

Free AIM(R) Phoneline service features, include:

— A free, local phone number for each AIM Screen Name that follows users wherever they go;

— An “always-on answering service” that takes messages anytime – whether users are online or not – and sends easy-to-access and archive MP3 voicemail messages right to email;

— Integration with the AIM service and Buddy List feature, which connects the nation’s largest and most popular instant messaging community;

— Unlimited inbound calling from friends on landlines, mobile phones and other PCs;

— Caller ID that lets users easily screen calls;

— Ability to receive mobile alerts on a cell phone to keep informed about new voicemail messages; and

— Ability to report unwanted calls through a service that will soon also incorporate an innovative “Do Not Answer Registry” to help other users manage potential telespam.

As a complement to its free benefits, AIM Phoneline also offers an easy upgrade for those who make lots of calls and want greater flexibility and outbound calling capacity, such as long distance families, long distance cell phone users, and small/home businesses.

AIM Phoneline Unlimited includes unlimited calling in the US, Canada, and more than 30 international destinations for one low fixed monthly fee. In addition to enhanced PC-based call management capabil ities, it also offers industry-compliant, nomadic E911 support that will enable AIM Phoneline users to reach emergency services regardless of their location.

In addition to all features of the free service, AIM(R) Phoneline Unlimited features include:

— 30-day free trial with no risk and no fine print;

— Introductory, low fixed monthly fee of $9.95 for select number of charter members for unlimited inbound and outbound calling in the U.S., Canada and specific destinations in more than 30 countries internationally (Low fixed monthly fee of $14.95 thereafter for all customers);

— Enhanced 911 service, including for nomadic users;

— Enhanced call management tools, including one-click call blocking and detailed online call logs;

— Complete caller ID with name, number, city and state, that lets users screen calls with the “answering machine-like” ability to interrupt a message and take the call or send directly to voicemail;

— Ability t o place phone calls with a single click from contacts listed within the AIM Buddy List, AIM Address Book and in online call logs; and

— Ability to dial any number by typing into the AIM Buddy List’s integrated “digital dialpad.”

AOL is working with leading industry providers to support the AIM Phoneline service, including:

— Broadwing Communications, LLC, the all optical networking leader, serves as the primary provider for network services including PSTN integration and telephone number management for the AIM Phoneline service and is the enabler of complete E911 emergency calling support;

— Telchemy(R) Incorporated, the global leader in VoIP performance management technology, enables real-time call quality monitoring of the AIM Phoneline service, allowing AOL to ensure a consistently good voice quality for users; and

— Plantronics, Inc., the leading provider of communication headsets, will offer AIM P honeline users access to lightweight and affordable headsets to enhance their PC-based calling experience. Beginning today, consumers can go to www.plantronics.com/aimphoneline and take advantage of a special offer on the Plantronics(R) .Audio(TM) 40, featuring a noise-canceling microphone for crystal-clear conversation and rich, full-range stereo sound.

Availability

To get a free local phone number and more information about the advantages and benefits of AIM Phoneline, go to www.aimphoneline.com.