CrystalVoice Communications, Inc., a leading provider of Voice over Internet software solutions, and United Online, Inc., a leading provider of consumer Internet subscription services, announced that CrystalVoice's enterprise-class Internet protocol (IP) voice communications software is the core voice quality technology within the newly launched NetZero Voice, Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Internet phone service.

The software enables United Online to deliver quality Internet phone calling over both dial-up and broadband Internet connections, utilizing CrystalVoice's patented Acoustic QoS technology. The CrystalVoice technology continually monitors the voice flow over the Internet and is able to make real-time data and acoustic adjustments that compensate for low-bandwidth availability or variable Internet conditions. CrystalVoice allows NetZero Voice to deliver high quality calling with a fraction of the bandwidth that other solutions require.



"We searched extensively for the best-suited technology for our VoIP strategy and found nothing that compared to CrystalVoice's Acoustic QoS solution," said Jerry Popek, Chief Technology Officer of United Online. "The solution is not only exceptionally tolerant of the variability of Internet bandwidth, but its scalability, high-availability, and security architecture were very strong."

NetZero Voice was launched last week. It works with virtually any ISP service, dial-up or broadband, and gives the estimated 45 million U.S. dial-up users the opportunity to make free calls using Internet phone calling, an option which has previously been available predominantly for broadband users. There are five value-priced NetZero Voice calling plans ranging from free to $14.95 per month.

"We are thrilled to have selected CrystalVoice's superb technology for NetZero Voice," said Mark R. Goldston, chairman, CEO, and president of United Online. "Our technology teams have done a great job to incorporate such a high-quality solution in consumer-friendly NetZero services that offer Internet users the opportunity to enjoy the price savings and feature content of Internet phone calling."

NetZero Voice marks the first time that CrystalVoice's technology has been used in a product sold directly to consumers on a large scale. Enterprises around the world have licensed CrystalVoice software to provide enhanced communications capabilities to support remote and mobile employees, contact centers, branch-to-branch communication, international operations, and eCommerce. Marketed through a large and rapidly expanding global reseller network in addition to a U.S.-based direct sales force, CrystalVoice products have earned a reputation for consistent quality, reliability, security, and scalability.

"We could not be happier about our association with United Online and the NetZero brand. They have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver a quality service at a compelling price," said Steve Zola, president and CEO of CrystalVoice. "Millions of users will have the opportunity to benefit from the commitment to quality and value shared by both organizations."