CLEAR announces new toll service
CLEAR Communications today announced a new choice of toll service which uses, in part, Internet technology to deliver
the calls.
The new service, called CLEAR 0505, is part of the company’s strategy to exploit the latest technologies to give its
customers expanded options. CLEAR 0505 will initially be available until the end of April for residential calls to
China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Macau.
The toll rates will be very low – for example, to China for as low as 50 cents/minute, compared to the current
$1.41/minute.
CLEAR Tolls Business Portfolio Manager Steven Jackson says CLEAR 0505 will use a combination of traditional networks and
new Internet Protocol (IP) technology to direct calls on the cheapest possible route to their destination. Calls dialled
with the prefix 0505 before the normal number will be directed to either a traditional network, voice-over-ATM or
voice-over-IP services [see attached backgrounder for details].
Some CLEAR 0505 callers could experience some problems with voice quality because of the different networks and
developing technology being used.
The initial seven countries were chosen because of the traditionally high cost of toll calls to them. The launch is also
timed to coincide with the Lunar New Year, a period of high customer demand.
The new service reinforces CLEAR’s position as a leader in innovative voice and online services. CLEAR also has a quite
separate development project underway to develop comprehensive business solutions using Internet telephony.
ENDS