SPRYNET Partners With DTS Wireless to Deliver Zap-It for SPRYNET Wireless Internet Service
BELLEVUE, Wash. — August 19, 1997 — SPRYNET today announced a partnership with DTS Wireless to deliver ZAP-IT for SPRYNET, a service that lets subscribers wirelessly access their existing Internet e-mail accounts, as well as fax, and phone messages, without the need to plug into a data port. Whether at home, in meetings or on the road, the service provides 24-hour access to all of a customer's communications needs through laptops and hand- held PCs. ZAP-IT for SPRYNET will be available the beginning of October 1997.
"ZAP-IT for SPRYNET gives our mobile customers the capability to communicate from virtually any major metropolitan area in the United States," said Stuart White, vice president and general manager of CompuServe's SPRYNET division. "We're committed to providing the most advanced technologies and services, such as wireless offerings like this, to give people the most productive and convenient Internet experience possible."
ZAP-IT for SPRYNET members can activate an account within 24 hours and choose from two monthly and three annual service plans, including a basic monthly plan for $9.95. The service works with a wireless modem and laptops running Windows, Windows CE hand-held devices and HP 100/200 LX palmtops. The service operates over a national wireless network specially designed to transfer data for the receipt and sending of messages. The service can be accessed in more than 700 metropolitan area in the United States with no extra fees charged for roaming.
In addition to allowing laptop and hand-held computer users to wirelessly send and receive e-mail, ZAP-IT for SPRYNET gives subscribers the ability to receive alerts of phone messages and faxes sent through a personal 800 number, send messages to fax machines, most pagers and phones, and fax documents using pre-stored letterhead, whether they are mobile or at their desktop. Subscribers also can preview messages before downloading and access the Web to view the text of any page.
"This is a precedent-setting partnership that, for the first time, gives Internet e-mail subscribers wireless access to their existing e-mail accounts through our ZAP-IT service," said Bob Lansey, president of DTS Wireless. "The full-featured functionality of ZAP-IT for SPRYNET greatly enhances the communication capabilities for mobile SPRYNET subscribers."
The Complete Internet Experience
The 1996 PC Magazine Editors' choice for best national Internet Service Provider, SPRYNET provides award-winning service support and education. SPRYNET offers highly competitive modem connection speeds, in most cases greater than 33.6Kbps, for the cost of a local call in 93 percent of the United States. SPRYNET also boasts a 97 percent first-time connection rate. SPRYNET was one of the first ISPs to offer an aggressive online customer service and support area with real-time technical support via chat. With community areas such as Member Support, Web Guide, and Personal and Business Services, the SPRYNET Web site gives users quick information on how to join the service, up-to-date information on system upgrades and maintenance, answers to billing questions, instant reference for local access numbers, as well as a frequently-asked-questions section.
Through alliances with information providers such as Cable News Network Interactive, The Sports Network, Quote.com, and Newsbytes, SPRYNET gives its members the ability to personalize their Internet experience, receive up-to- the-minute headline news and sports scores, track stocks, and find information on local events. Also available are free personal home pages with 5mb of space and a comprehensive software library to provide members with high quality service, support and education.
About CompuServe
Founded in 1969, CompuServe Incorporated provides the world's most comprehensive online/Internet access through its two brands, CSi and SPRYNET. Through CompuServe, its Japanese licensee NIFTY SERVE and its affiliates around the world, more than 5 million home and business users in more than 185 countries are connected online and to the Internet. CompuServe Network Services is a leading network integrator, providing more than 1,200 companies around the world with complete, fully integrated Internet, Intranet, and Extranet connectivity solutions. CompuServe Network Services also provides the network for CSi and SPRYNET. With world headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, the CompuServe organization includes offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
About DTS Wireless
Founded in 1992, DTS Wireless helps people stay in touch while away from the office by providing wireless access to e-mail, phone and fax messages. It's ZAP-IT service is the most full featured available, strengthening the communication capabilities for mobile professionals.
People interested in subscribing to the service can do so by accessing SPRYNET's Web site at http://www.sprynet.com or the DTS Wireless Web site at http://www.dtswireless.com
CompuServe, CSi and SPRYNET are trademarks and/or service marks of CompuServe Incorporated and its affiliates. All other trademarks and service marks referenced above are the property of their respective owners. ZAP-IT is a trademark of DTS Wireless.
SOURCE: CompuServe Incorporated
CONTACT:
Kelli West of SPRYNET, 425-957-8846, or [email protected];
or
Jennifer Maxwell-Muir of DTS Wireless, 503-232-4476, or [email protected]