Press Releases
Jingle Networks (1-800-FREE411) Selects Broadwing Communications to Provide Telecom Infrastructure Free 411 Directory Assistance Service Chooses Broadwing as Growth Platform
May 01, 2006 – Austin, Texas (Business Wire) Broadwing Communications, LLC, a consolidated subsidiary of Broadwing Corporation (NASDAQ: BWNG), today announced that Jingle Networks, provider of the first nationwide free telephone directory assistance service (1-800-FREE411), has selected Broadwing as their primary telecom infrastructure provider.
Launched in September 2005, 1-800-FREE411 currently processes more than seven million directory assistance inquiries per month from more than three million unique consumers.
Broadwing is the primary backbone provider for 1-800-FREE411’s consumer-facing service, supplying a suite of local, long distance, and data services necessary to support Jingle’s directory assistance offerings. Broadwing is seeing strong growth in call and usage volume as it scales up to support fast growing demand for the free alternative to paid directory assistance calls, which can cost from $0.75 to $3.49 per call.
“Our free directory assistance service has witnessed incredible traction over the past several months and is showing strong signs of expanding the overall 411 category,” said George Garrick, president and CEO of Jingle Networks. “This early market response is a clear indicator of the powerful benefits this new, interactive media channel offers both consumers and advertisers. We believe that Broadwing will enable us to deliver our industry-leading free DA service with the bandwidth to support us now and as we grow.“
“1-800-FREE411 is an impressive addition to the Broadwing customer portfolio and we are pleased to be selected as its primary provider of network and supporting services,” said Scott Widham, president of sales and marketing for Broadwing. “Our flexibility and wide range of customizable voice, data and video offerings enables us to create the perfect solution for unique enterprise needs like 1-800-FREE411.”
About Broadwing Corporation
Broadwing Corporation (NASDAQ:BWNG), through its consolidated subsidiary Broadwing
Communications, LLC (Broadwing) delivers innovative data, voice, and media solutions to enterprises and service providers.
Enabled by its one-of-a-kind, all-optical network and award-winning products and services, Broadwing Communications provides
communications solutions with unparalleled customer focus and speed. For more information,
visit www.broadwing.com.
About Jingle Networks & 1-800-FREE411Jingle Networks, operator of the nation’s leading ad-supported directory assistance service 1-800-FREE411, has significantly changed the directory assistance market by giving consumers an anytime, anywhere source of free information on the phone. 1-800-FREE411 is for anyone who owns a phone and needs information but is dissatisfied with the high cost of directory assistance. Jingle Networks has changed the industry by creating an exciting new media channel through 1-800-FREE411. With nearly 130 million annual calls, 1-800-FREE411 offers advertisers highly targeted and timely promotional opportunities to reach a large but targeted customer base who are ready-to-buy, garnering a response rate twice that of other direct response media. For more information, visit: www.free411.com.
For Media Inquiries
Deann Mayeda
415-591-8404
dmayeda@shiftcomm.com
Investor Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding Broadwing Corporation and/or Broadwing Communications, LLC
(collectively “Broadwing”), that are not statements of historical fact may include
forward-looking statements, and statements regarding Broadwing’s beliefs, plans, expectations or
intentions regarding the future are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Broadwing’s actual results could differ materially from these statements.
