EMBARQ Expands Online Services with Debut of Unlimited Music Service from Synacor, MediaNet Digital
January 23rd 2008
OVERLAND PARK, KS and BUFFALO, NY (January 23, 2008) – EMBARQ announced today the launch of the first premium music product in its growing online premium service portfolio: EMBARQ™ Unlimited Music. This service, delivered through the EMBARQ relationship with Synacor, will enable its residential High-Speed Internet customers to download and listen to more than 3 million music selections from their personal online myembarq™ Homepage.
For a monthly subscription fee of $9.95, EMBARQ™ High Speed Internet customers will be able to download an EMBARQ-branded media player provided by MediaNet Digital’s music division MusicNet, and then access and download any of the songs available in the music database to their MP3 player. Users can then retrieve and listen to the content throughout the duration of their subscription. Customers will also be able to “burn” the songs to a CD for an additional $.99 per song
“EMBARQ™ Unlimited Music provides our High-Speed Internet customers with the ability to enjoy online music at home or on the go,” said Mark Kenyon, EMBARQ™ vice president of Consumer Marketing. “EMBARQ™ High-Speed Internet provides fast upload and download speeds, giving our customers an advantage as they use this new, innovative service.”
Synacor, a provider of Internet tools, portals and content for cable, Internet and telecommunications service providers, is managing the billing, authentication, branding coordination, marketing support, and quality assurance for this music service. MediaNet Digital, a leading digital entertainment services provider, is powering the music service for EMBARQ with its proprietary technology platform and content management service which has been integrated into the recently redesigned EMBARQ™ online customer portal.
In addition to providing the branded media player, MediaNet Digital, a Synacor partner, is enabling the music subscription service, downloads, ripping, burning and transfers to portable devices.
Alan McGlade, President and CEO of MediaNet Digital, commented: “EMBARQ is an ideal brand to find success delivering a comprehensive music offering to their loyal and satisfied customers. MusicNet brings a superior content solution, while EMBARQ knows how to provide their customers with a level of sophistication in today’s fast paced environment of entertainment consumption.”
About EMBARQ
EMBARQ™ (NYSE: EQ), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of common-sense communications services. The company has approximately 19,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500. For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network® — all on one monthly bill. For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business-Class DSL, wireless, enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services. EMBARQ believes that by focusing on the communities the company serves and by employing common sense and practical ingenuity, it is able to provide customers with a committed partner, dedicated customer service and innovative products for work and home. For more information, visit embarq.com.
About Synacor
Synacor builds Internet tools and portals that simplify the way consumers get their digital media. Its technology platform provides white label portals, premium online content and email collaboration suites to broadband service providers such as cable operators, telecommunications companies, Internet service providers and others. Synacor provides the focused expertise and technology that allow both service providers and content providers to extend their brands online and create a relevant, personalized online experience for consumers through a single sign-on portal, enhanced content packaging and aggregated billing. For more information on Synacor, please visit www.synacor.com.
About MediaNet Digital
MediaNet Digital is the world’s leading provider of business-to-business digital entertainment services. The Company offers the content and white-label technologies used to create music and video download and subscription services for world-class consumer brands. MediaNet is wholly-owned by Baker Capital, a New York-based private equity firm with $1.5 billion under management. MediaNet was the 2006 winner of Deloitte & Touche USA’s prestigious Deloitte New York Technology Fast 50 Award. MediaNet is headquartered in New York and has offices in Seattle and London. For more information about MediaNet, please visit www.medianetdigital.com.
