SAN JOSE, Calif.--June 9, 2004--Covad Communications Group, Inc. (OTCBB:COVD) today announced the close of the acquisition of GoBeam, Inc., a privately owned provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses. Under the terms of the agreement, Covad will issue approximately 20 million shares to GoBeam's shareholders. Covad will also provide approximately $1.5 million in cash and stock to key GoBeam employees.
"Today marks a significant achievement in Covad history as the completion of this acquisition moves Covad from being a broadband-only operator to an integrated voice and data services provider," said Charles Hoffman, president and chief executive officer of Covad. "We now have the winning combination of our nationwide broadband network with an award-winning, market-tested Voice over IP service that accelerates the offering of our voice and data communication bundles nationwide."
According to a report from research firm In-Stat/MDR, by 2007 the U.S. VoIP market is forecast to grow to more than five million subscribers, a five-fold increase over 2002 levels. The Internet Protocol-PBX market, which has just under 100,000 lines today, is expected to grow to more than 1.7 million lines by 2007, according to Forrester Research.
The closing of the deal has no effect on GoBeam's existing customers as they will continue to receive the same services, but under the Covad brand. Covad plans an aggressive expansion of VoIP service availability to more than 100 of the top Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in 35 states.
At the center of the Covad VoIP solution is a full-feature, hosted PBX solution that offers advanced PBX capabilities without the need to install expensive PBX hardware at the customer location. In addition, each user gets a unique phone number and an associated Covad Dashboard to manage incoming and outgoing phone calls, voice mails and emails with one common interface. Covad VoIP service also allows simple, rapid administration of a company's telecom services, including adding new employees and moving telephone number locations online without the cost of a telecom support department.
The Covad Dashboard allows users to consolidate their multiple phone numbers (home, office, mobile) with a single personal telephone number so callers reach them wherever they are. A personal virtual fax number handles all incoming faxes. The unified visual mailbox conveniently manages voicemail and faxes just like e-mail. Robust call logs and integration with Microsoft Outlook allow users to make and return calls with just a mouse click. Web collaboration and voice conferencing are easy to set up and use and allow collaboration from multiple locations.
Features of Covad's Voice over IP services will include:
-- Local and Long Distance telephone service
-- Voice Optimized Access (VOA) -- the ability to prioritize voice traffic over the network to ensure impeccable quality of voice service through Covad's network
-- Nationwide coverage
-- Automated provisioning capabilities
-- Service backed by comprehensive service level agreements (SLAs)
-- Covad Dashboard -- an easy-to-use, award-winning Web based user interface
-- Call logs
-- Find Me, Follow Me functionality that allows a user to receive calls on multiple devices from the user's VoIP phone number
-- Unified visual voice and fax mail
-- Voice and Web conferencing
For additional information on ordering Covad's VoIP service call 1-866-462-3269 or www.covad.com.
About Covad
Covad is a leading nationwide provider of integrated voice and data communications. The company offers DSL, Voice Over IP, T1, Web hosting, managed security, IP and dial-up, and bundled voice and data services directly through Covad's network and through Internet Service Providers, value-added resellers, telecommunications carriers and affinity groups to small- and medium-sized businesses and home users. Covad broadband services are currently available across the nation in 44 states and 235 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and can be purchased by more than 57 million homes and businesses, which represent over 50 percent of all U.S. homes and businesses. Corporate headquarters is located at 110 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134. Telephone: 1-888-GO-COVAD. Web Site: www.covad.com.
