Belgacom Launches Duet-R Service: Convergence of Fixed and Mobile Telephones.

WESTPORT, CT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 1998--Belgacom announces the launch of Duet(R) service, the first step in the convergence of fixed and mobile telephony in Belgium.

When customers are called at their Duet number, they receive the call on their mobile phone. If it is switched off, they receive the call on their office phone. If neither phone answers, the call is forwarded to a voice mailbox.

"Duet service provides a simple, efficient way for the busy, on-the-go executive to be reached via a single telephone number, no matter where he or she may be," says Susan G. Mirbach, President of Belgacom North America. "Duet is a glimpse into the future of telecommunications."

Duet customers receive a single bill for the combined services, and have one point of contact at Belgacom. The service can be ordered in Belgium from the Duet call center or at Teleshops or Telebusiness outlets.

The new service was launched after a user trial during the summer of 1998, which demonstrated that the majority of participants liked the idea of an easy-to-use fixed/mobile service keyed to a single telephone number.

Belgacom, Belgium's national and international telecommunications carrier, offers a wide variety of leading-edge, highly competitive global telecommunications services for multinational corporations. Belgacom North America, with headquarters in Westport, CT, is responsible for the carrier's sales, marketing and customer service in the United States, Canada and Mexico.