Press Releases

1-800-FREE411 Advertiser Momentum Continues as Businesses Flock to Innovative Media Channel Marquee Brands Including FordDirect Snag Coveted Sponsorship Inventory for 2008

January 31, 2008 – Menlo Park, Calif.

Jingle Networks, Inc., the leader in free voice search and operator of the 1-800-FREE411 directory service, today announced it has sold out its 2008 sponsorship inventory due to unprecedented advertiser growth among national and local brands. Clients such as McDonald’s, Earthlink and AMC Theaters have renewed their contracts and new companies including FordDirect have signed on with 1-800-FREE411 to reap the benefits of its unique and clutter-free platform.

With a first-mover advantage and an innovative ad-supported business model, 1-800-FREE411 has secured a six percent market share of the U.S. directory assistance (DA) market and more than 20 million calls a month. More than 80,000 businesses have already used 1-800-FREE411 to reach consumers when they are in the ready-to-buy mode. Several new advertisers have secured advertising opportunities for 2008 including Allstate, Cablevision, Columbia House, Days Inn, FordDirect, Miller Brewing Company, Travelodge and Wyndham Hotels. Additionally, AMC Theaters, Dobson, Earthlink, McDonald’s, Nationwide and ServiceMagic have all renewed their contracts with 1-800-FREE411.

“FordDirect is always looking for new ways to help our Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers connect with their customers and sell more cars, trucks and service appointments,” said Ryan Soffa, FordDirect director of operations. “Voice search is a unique way to get additional exposure and reach customers where they choose to shop.”

With the rise of mobile phone users approaching more than 200 million in the U.S. and the increased sophistication of voice-recognition technology, the emerging voice search platform is quickly becoming the newest means by which people are getting their information. The significant consumer adoption and awareness of mobile voice search are increasingly capturing the attention of advertisers who are looking for a new platform to reach the growing mobile population. In fact, the continued growth of the free DA search platform is supported by The Kelsey Group’s estimation that annual U.S. revenues for ad-sponsored DA will grow from $14 million in 2007 to $462 million in 2012.

“There has been tremendous momentum behind the voice search industry in 2007 with new players entering the market and consumers and advertisers rapidly adopting key services,” said George Garrick, president and CEO of Jingle Networks. “The 1-800-FREE411 advertising platform is delivering on the promise of voice search and has proven to be a unique and powerful way for advertisers of all sizes to engage their target audiences and exceed marketing goals. As a result, advertisers are not only renewing their contracts with us but they are increasing their media spend for 2008.”

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
Colleen Wickwire
415-591-8414
cwickwire@shiftcomm.com