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Preferred Voice To Provide Voice Recognition To Hop-On
Demand for Preferred Voice's Network Services Continues to Grow
DALLAS, TX. Nov. 27, 2001-- Preferred Voice, Inc. (OTC: PFVI), a leading
voice recognition technology company, announced today that it has entered into
an agreement to provide mission critical voice recognition technology to Hop-On
(OTC: HPON), the leading developer of disposable and fully recyclable cell
phones. Under the agreement, users of Hop-On's disposable cell phone will be
able to place a call simply by pressing a "call" button and then speaking a
phone number. Additionally, live operators will be available 24 hours a day for
special assistance such as directory listings.
Preferred Voice will be
delivering its voice recognition technology, as well as call management
programs, to Hop-On over its own private SS7 VoIP network. Preferred Voice
currently provides these and other network services to several application and
enhanced service providers in the US through its Network Services Group. The
company sees "considerable demand" for efficient and cost effective programs to
deliver and manage new applications for both wireless and wireline markets.
Bill Schereck, President and COO for Preferred Voice, commented, "We
have developed one of the most accurate voice recognition technologies in the
market today. This partnership signals the momentum we are building as we expand
our alliances and revenue base. Clearly, we're excited to be a part of what is
shaping up to be the next generation of calling mobility and convenience.
Hop-On's unique product, powered by our speech driven technology, is positioned
to materially expand the wireless marketplace."
Peter Michaels,
President and CEO of Hop-On, said, "We evaluated numerous providers and were
impressed with the reliability and accuracy of Preferred Voice's voice
recognition technology. Flawless voice recognition is essential to our
disposable phone. Consumers can't be on the road and have calls misplaced. They
have no patience for repeating numbers either. Avoiding this frustration will
help make our consumers long-term, repeat customers. We look forward to working
together as Hop-On becomes the dominant provider of disposable cell phones."
Preferred Voice has built a proven record in providing voice recognition
services and technologies to the telecommunications industry. Preferred Voice
currently distributes voice activated dialing services to both wireline and
wireless carriers across the US. Additionally Preferred Voice's Network Services
Group provides carrier provisioning, call management and service delivery to
carriers via Preferred Voice's private SS7 VoIP network. Preferred Voice's
Network Services Group also provides numerous programs for third party
application providers including service delivery to telecom carriers worldwide.
While terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Preferred Voice will begin
providing voice dialing technology to Hop-On this month.
About Hop-On
Communications:
Named one of TIME Magazine's Inventions of the Year list
for 2001, Hop-On (OTC: HPON) is the developer and marketer of the world's first
disposable, fully recyclable and contract free cell phone. Based out of Garden
Grove, California, Hop-On has distribution agreements with some of the nation's
largest retailers and convenience stores. The company will provide users with
national coverage through some of the nation's preeminent carriers, including
Williams Communications, among others. For more information, visit
http://www.hop-on.com.
The Hop-On disposable cell phone provides a
much-needed alternative to full service cellular contracts and prepaid calling
cards. The $30 wallet-size phone comes with 60 minutes of out-bound domestic
calling time and is designed to be the user-friendliest cell phone available.
Consumers will benefit from a streamlined two-button operation and voice
recognition dialing, as well as national coverage and 24-hour operator
assistance. Unlike traditional cell phones, Hop-On's users will not incur
long-distance charges, activation or roaming fees. The phone is made of
environmentally friendly biodegradable plastic and is easily recycled through
the company's recycling plan.
Underscoring the company's commitment to
consumer safety, Hop-On's hands free cell phone will be sold with and require an
earpiece/microphone for operation. This has become even more critical as states,
including New York, move to ban motorist usage of traditional handheld cell
phones. Last year, legislators in 43 states proposed some type of regulation on
cell phone use in cars. Nearly three-quarters of the nation's 120 million cell
phone users make calls from the road, according to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.
About Preferred Voice:
Based in Dallas,
TX, Preferred Voice, Inc. (OTC: PFVI) is a leading voice recognition technology
company. Through it's 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, voicemail navigation, VAC voice accessed content, voice calling cards,
BusinessConnect voice directory assistance and EmmaPR voice telephone
receptionist. 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 feature providers. Preferred Voice has signed agreements with 45
telecom carriers. These telecom carriers serve more than 5.5 million subscriber
lines in 36 states. For more information please 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.
Company Contact:
Bill Schereck
President / COO
(214) 265-9580
wschereck@preferredvoice.com
Agency Contact:
Ira Weingarten
Equity Communications
(805)
897-1880
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