Global Market Leader Mannesmann Ipulsys And Callnet Launch Joint Marketing Initiative To Deliver Free, No Strings Internet, Fixed-Mobile Integration And E-Commerce Throughout Europe

Mannesmann ipulsys - part of the global communications giant Mannesmann recently acquired by Vodafone, today announced the launch of an innovative and market-leading European joint marketing initiative with CallNet Plc - the UK's specialist developer and provider of leading-edge communication solutions including free, no strings Internet.

"The integrated Internet, fixed line and mobile markets are set to explode across Europe and we needed a partner to work with us to maximise the opportunity" said CallNet CEO, Paul Goodman-Simpson "Time to market is critical in this industry and Mannesmann ipulsys gets us to market faster. It's as simple as that.

"The two companies complement each other perfectly and we fully expect the Mannesmann ipulsys-CallNet initiative to rapidly become Europe's No.1 integrated communications provider."

Mannesmann owns several fixed line and mobile networks throughout Europe. These resources are now being harnessed through ipulsys, a wholly-owned subsidiary, focused on the global IP and Internet market.

"We are convinced that Mannesmann's resources and CallNet's innovative technological developments and dynamic customer relationship marketing skills will deliver a powerful market-dominating proposition", said Paul Goodman-Simpson.

"This is a very exciting opportunity", added Jeff Fishel, Vice President of Sales of Mannesmann ipulsys. "There is a strong synergy between the two organisations and CallNet's phenomenal success in the UK can now be multiplied across Europe. We will coordinate all the Mannesmann organisations to ensure smooth delivery and take full advantage of the skills and services at our disposal."

The first initiative will be to roll out no strings internet across Europe using CallNet's proprietary low-cost Internet technology for the masses - `MailTV'. This will be closely followed by fully integrated communications - fixed, mobile, internet, unified messaging and e-commerce.

"We are not just talking about `free', no strings internet - we are delivering it now in the UK," said Goodman-Simpson, "and Mannesmannn ipulsys will help us take this right across Europe.

"But this is more than free internet, this is a partnership that will take the e-commerce revolution to a new level" added Goodman-Simpson.