Jan 10, 2001

Fusion to Launch Long-Distance Telephone Service with Uniform Rate Nationwide
20 yen per 3 Minutes, All Hours

Since its founding in March 2000, Fusion Communications Corporation has been preparing to launch services with the aim of becoming a new-generation telecommunications carrier that focuses on IP (Internet protocol) technologies. On January 10, the company held a press conference in Tokyo to announce new long-distance telephone services and rates.

Fusion will launch long-distance telephone services on April 1 of this year as its maiden service. The company's carrier access code for use of this service will be 0038, and the service area will be nationwide.

Breaking from the conventional concept of calculating long-distance telephone fees according to distance, Fusion will charge a uniform 20 yen per three minutes for the service nationwide, from wherever and to wherever the call is made. This standard nationwide rate will be simple and easy to understand for users. Also, the company, upon request, will provide an Internet access service for customers who subscribe to its telephone services.

Fusion integrates all the various services that so far have been supplied through separate networks, such as telephone (voice), data communications, and Internet access, on a large-scale nationwide IP-based network that it has built single-handedly. Thereby Fusion hopes to be able to cut network construction and operation costs, and also to reduce costs through the thorough rationalization of operations. As a result, Fusion has built a new business model as a next-generation telecommunications carrier, supplying low-cost, long-distance telephone services that break away from the existing complex system of long-distance call rates.

Besides this setting of lower rates, Fusion is making preparations to supply various other services as a telecommunications carrier with a new business concept, including an international telephone service and company-to-company VPN (Virtual Private Network). The company is scheduled to announce the launch of these services as they become available.

On January 10, simultaneously with the announcement of its long-distance telephone services and rates, Fusion has begun taking applications for the services (including the Internet access service). In addition, registration begins January 10 for the MYLINE and MYLINE PLUS Carrier Selection Service, which will begin in May of this year. Fusion is also a registered carrier for this service, so MYLINE applications can be submitted directly via the company. Because the nationwide uniform rate for long-distance telephone calls of 20 yen per three minutes is so easy to understand, Fusion expects many users to choose it for the MYLINE service, too.

For further inquiries about the Fusion service, requests for materials, and to apply for services, please contact 0120-380-747 (toll-free).