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Preferred Voice Deploys Three Additional Carriers
Company is Approaching Break-Even and Moving Forward
DALLAS, TX --
(September 10, 2002) -- Preferred Voice, Inc. (OTCBB: PFVI), the leading
network-based speech application provider said today that PSC Wireless of
Georgia, First Cellular of Southern Illinois, and MobileTel of Louisiana have
begun offering Voice Activated Dialing to a combined subscriber base of
approximately 138,000 potential customers.
These deployments bring the
number of TELCO customer/partners deployed to 32, and the number of potential
subscribers to 2,250,000. As of July 31, 2002 there were 179,000 actual paying
subscribers.
"As a result of these deployments, others waiting in the
wings, and aggressive cost cuts which management implemented in May, the
company's financial condition has greatly improved," stated Bill Schereck,
President and Chief Operating Officer, Preferred Voice, Inc.
Schereck
said the company's operations are now "approaching cash flow neutral. The EBITDA
for July was ($32,107) and the trend continues to be positive."
Schereck
said the key issue Preferred Voice faces is no longer how to survive, but rather
how the company can work more successfully with their TELCO customer/partners to
raise enrollment rates and begin the rollout of additional revenue enhancing
services. "Even small increases would dramatically improve financial results for
Preferred Voice, and for participating TELCOs," Schereck said.
Schereck
said, "The unprecedented difficulties faced by wireless providers during the
past year have increased the demand for new revenue sources. Our Voice Dialing
program helps fill this need for our carrier partners."
Schereck
concluded, "Based upon our experience deploying our Voice Dialing program during
the past year, we have more confidence than ever before that as new voice
activated services and applications are made available, the public will
enthusiastically embrace voice dialing. Preferred Voice fully expects to be a
major beneficiary."
Preferred Voice has scheduled a conference call for
Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 2:00 PM (EDT). To participate, dial (800)
416-8128 and enter the pass code 310804#.
About PSC Wireless
PSC
Wireless, established in 1987, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Public Service
Communications, a privately-owned corporation providing conventional and
wireless telephone, internet, cable television and long distance services. PSC
Wireless provides cellular, prepaid-cellular, digital, enhanced features such as
one-number service & SMS, customer service, wireless phone sales,
professional installation and Voice Dialing. Voice Dialing adds to the offering
of enhanced features. PSC Wireless operates through more than 300 retail outlets
in West Georgia, East Alabama, and South Carolina. Overall, PSC Wireless serves
a 20,000+ square mile service area and through network partnerships is able to
offer service to the local area, across the country and internationally.
Customer support, competitive pricing, enhanced services, and being the only
locally owned and operated wireless provider in its markets are some of the
strengths that allow PSC Wireless to provide exceptional service to its
customers. For more information visit http://www.pscwireless.com.
About
Mobile Tel, LLC.
MobileTel, LLC, headquartered in Larose, Louisiana, was
established in 1989 as a rural cellular service provider and has evolved into a
leading full-service wireless communications company offering cellular, prepaid
cellular, digital, paging and Internet products and services to Terrebonne and
Lafourche parishes. A subsidiary of SJI, LLC, one of the largest privately held
telecommunications conglomerates in the southern United States, MobileTel
credits its success to first-rate customer service and a commitment to the
communities it serves.
About First Cellular of Southern Illinois
First Cellular of Southern Illinois began service in 1993 as a partnership
between seven local landline exchange carriers. Since 1993, First Cellular's
subscriber base has grown by over 3000 percent. First Cellular now employs over
150 people, and utilizes over 70 CDMA digital cell sites to provide the highest
level of local wireless coverage. First Cellular's mission focuses on doing
business with its neighbors and taking special pride in providing the best
quality of service and technology available to its customers.
About
Preferred Voice
Based in Dallas, TX, Preferred Voice, Inc. (OTC BB:
PFVI) is a leading voice recognition technology company. Through its Carrier
Services Group, Preferred Voice markets its products and services to wireless,
ILEC and CLEC companies across the United States. These enhanced voice services
include Safety Talk voice activated dialing, Emma TR the telephone receptionist,
and BusinessConnect voice directory assistance. Preferred Voice's Network
Services Group provides carrier connectivity, call management, provisioning and
service delivery solutions for carriers, voice portal providers, wireless
application providers and other enhanced features providers. For more
information visit www.preferredvoice.com.
SOURCE: Preferred Voice, Inc.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Since all
statements about Preferred Voice's plans, estimates and expectations are based
on current projections that involve risks and uncertainties, and are subject to
change at any time, the company's actual results may differ materially from
expected results. Readers should consider these risks and uncertainties, which
are discussed in documents filed by Preferred Voice, Inc., with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. These documents identify important factors that could
cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements. Preferred Voice, Inc. expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Joelle Mertzel, (310) 586-7161
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