Wheat State Telephone Launches Switchmaxx Unified Self-Care(TM)

Wheat State Telephone Launches Switchmaxx Unified Self-Care(TM) Branded Web Portal Enhances Operations and Delivers New Revenue-Generating Applications WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Phonetics LC announces today that Wheat State Telephone officially launched their Switchmaxx Unified Self- Care(TM) ( http://www.switchmaxx.com/ ) service in December 2004. Wheat State customers are now shopping, buying and managing their own phone, cable television and DSL service preferences online through the Telco's branded Web Portal, MAXX 24/7. "Our customers love the convenience and simplicity of managing their own services through our web site," says Wheat State General Manager Archie Macias. "Switchmaxx(TM) also allows us to stay open for business 24/7 without adding staff. I fully expect to increase revenues and build customer loyalty," he adds. In addition to self-care capabilities, Switchmaxx(TM) gives Wheat State ( http://www.wheatstate.com/ ) customers more control of incoming and outgoing calls with five new intelligent phone applications, including Single Number Service, Parental Controls, On Call Manager, Privacy Manager and Advanced Call Waiting. "Consumers want more shopping convenience and control over their services," says David Raehpour, CEO of Phonetics. "Wheat State's experience also demonstrates how independent Telcos can leverage the power and reach of the Internet to differentiate against increasing competition." Wheat State Telephone is an independently owned local exchange carrier serving the Kansas towns of Udall, Rock, Olpe, Matfield Green, Cassoday and Potwin. About Phonetics LC Phonetics LC develops and markets software solutions that help communications providers differentiate their voice, video and data services. Based on the company's patent-pending Unified Self-Care(TM) software, Switchmaxx(TM) provides a customizable interface that drives end-user adoption of services, generating new revenue while reducing operating expenses. Its telco-grade open standards architecture provides a single user interface for customer self-care of legacy, advanced intelligent network (AIN) and VoIP- based services. Integrated Web voicemail further extends the revenue- generating power of Switchmaxx(TM). Phonetics LC is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Source: Phonetics LC CONTACT: Laurie Gooding, Director of Marketing of Phonetics LC, +1-316-932-2636, lgooding@switchmaxx.com Web site: http://www.switchmaxx.com/ http://www.wheatstate.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment