Uniden Introduces the First Cordless Phone Capable of Providing Consumers a Significant Savings on Their Long Distance Bill - Uniden America's Long Distance Manager - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, August 16, 1999

Uniden America Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of cordless phones, has introduced the world's first, and only cordless telephone capable of providing consumers with significant savings on long distance calls. Uniden's Long Distance Manager is an efficient and economical way to manage long distance rates.

"Roughly two thirds of American households pay an average of 22 to 28 cents per minute for long distance telephone calls. The Long Distance Manager rates will average between eight and 12 cents per minute, which represents a potential savings of 30 to 70 percent for most households," said John Harris, Uniden America Corporation's senior vice president. "And, the call is seamless, there are no delays, no annoying numbers to dial before hand, just the cost-saving convenience of getting some of the best long distance rates available."

By pressing a single key on the handset prior to dialing the number, the phone automatically assigns the call a new low rate -- which will be one of the lowest rates available. Consumers using Uniden's Long Distance Manager have no minimum call length requirements, pay no sign up fees, monthly service charges, or connection fees.

"Through the Long Distance Manager, we are providing our customers with a simple way to circumvent confusing rate plans and annoying monthly service fees," Harris said.

To get started using the Long Distance manager is simple. Customers dial a toll-free number and answer a few basic questions such as name, address and phone number for billing purposes. The consumer will receive a monthly bill detailing each call, similar to a typical bill from their phone company. The bill will also show a 24-hour, seven-day per week toll-free number for billing inquiries or other questions.

Uniden will introduce four Long Distance Manager models this year. Now available at major retail outlets, the EXLI8962 advanced model features call waiting/caller ID capabilities with digital 900 MHz technology. It is available in a charcoal color and has a suggested list price of $89.95. The EXL8900 features digital 900 MHz technology, and will be available August 1999 in a linen color. It is expected to retail for a low $49.95. In addition, later this year, Uniden will introduce two additional models, one featuring a built-in answering machine, and the other with two-lines and digital spread spectrum technology, providing longer range, clearer sound and greater privacy.

Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Uniden Corporation, Japan, manufactures and markets wireless consumer electronics products. Uniden America's product offerings include cordless and cellular telephones, business telecommunications systems and other personal communications devices. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden America sells its products through dealers and distributors throughout North, Central and South America.