DALLAS, April 10, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- Focus Affiliates, Inc. (dba FocusWireless.com) (Nasdaq:FONE) has been chosen by Encore Telecommunications, LLC to serve as the company's primary e-fulfillment services provider, handling back-end fulfillment functions while Encore focuses on wireless product sales and building its relationships with marketing partners.
As a leading B2B provider of wireless services, Encore partners with non-wireless marketing companies - including charities, trade organizations, network marketing companies and e-commerce businesses - to offer private-label PCS services to their customers on the Sprint PCS(R) Nationwide Network*. With this arrangement, Encore gains new wireless subscribers through its marketing partners' established channels, and its marketing partners benefit by leveraging their well-known brands to sell new services and to increase customer loyalty.
This type of wireless service reseller is referred to as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), since the reseller offers wireless services but does not own a network.
"We expect this agreement to be followed by several similar contracts between FocusWireless and other B2B resellers of wireless services," said Michael S. Hedge, FocusWireless president and chief executive officer. "As an MVNO, Encore is a pioneer in the development of an entirely new wireless distribution channel. Encore's primary growth driver is marketing relationships, while our Company will concentrate on e-fulfillment services."
FocusWireless.com, traditionally a wholesale distributor of wireless products, is transitioning to become a leading developer of B2B e-fulfillment solutions for the wireless telecommunications industry. The Company strategy is to provide comprehensive, Internet-enabled solutions to wireless manufacturers, network operators, and other service providers throughout the United States. These services include end-to-end transaction management and facilitation services, such as product procurement, inventory risk management, handset programming, kitting and returns management. The Company is primarily focused on two fast-emerging telecom distribution channels -- mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and wireless eRetailers, which offer bundled communications products and services, Web-enabled messaging devices and related services.
Going forward, FocusWireless plans to generate its revenues primarily by providing fee-based services to new wireless telecom distribution channels, offering Web-based solutions that are designed to accelerate the growth of these new emerging companies. For more information on the Company, please visit its web site at www.focuswireless.com.
Statements included within this press release that are not historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that this press release contains certain such forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. When used, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward looking statements. Risks include the need to raise additional capital to continue operations, potential delays in developing Internet e-commerce solutions, potential lack of customer acceptance of this new order processing method, unanticipated costs to develop and maintain the Company's technology systems, and the Company's ability to transition to a fee-based service model. Further management discussion of risks and uncertainties can be found in the Company's quarterly filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other periodic filings.
* Sprint PCS provides access to its network to private-label service providers, but is not responsible for service quality, billing, customer care, warranty, maintenance, or other aspects of subscriber service. Sprint PCS is a registered trademark of Sprint Communications Company L.P., used under license.