CES News: Ooma Expands into Retail, Previews New Handset

By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, December 15, 2008

PALO ALTO, CALIF. — VoIP provider Ooma announced a major retail expansion for the fourth quarter, as well as a new product package and several new calling features.

At International CES, Ooma will debut a new cordless handset designed to succeed its Scout accessory. The DECT-based telo handset features high-definition voice, speakerphone, mobile transfer, caller ID, call waiting, downloadable ringtones and intercom.

The new retail package will include one Ooma base and one telo handset. The system is expandable up to six handsets and will retail for $250.

The company also announced a major retail expansion, moving its original system into Best Buy, Datavision, Fry's Electronics, Micro Center and J&R as well as distribution partners Ingram and D&H.

The company also inked deals with a number of e-commerce sites, including Amazon, Buy.com, NewEgg.com, Tiger Direct, Staples.com and Walmart.com.

According to a company spokesperson, retailers took fresh interest in Ooma in the wake of the economic downturn. On its Web site, the company claims that it can save a consumer who has an average monthly phone bill of $50 more than $1,500 after three years of the service.

An Ooma system consists of a Hub, which connects to a broadband modem and can also accept a landline connection for providing back-up in the event of a power outage, and a Scout, which connects to a home phone and phone jack.

The $249 package comes with a lifetime of free, unlimited long-distance calling, with caller ID and voicemail. Number portability is also available for a one-time charge of $39.

A $12.99/month premier service adds a second line, message screening, send-to-voicemail, voicemail forwarding, free number porting and do not disturb.

Ooma also announced a new suite of services available to premiere subscribers.

Among the new features are the ability to add up to nine virtual phone numbers to a single account (consumers can choose their area code and program the phone to provide a unique ringtone to distinguish between them), the ability to send voicemails to email or SMS address, online call logs and a backlist where users can block certain incoming numbers.

Other new features include the ability to link a mobile number with an Ooma account so that when a call is sent to an ooma, the mobile phone will ring simultaneously. Calls can also be automatically forwarded to a mobile phone if the user is not at home.