Genesis Communications Announces Prepaid Local Phone Service; Easy to Use Program Offers Incredible Savings Averaging 50%.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 1999--Genesis Communications International Inc., a leading provider of local and long distance telecommunications services, announced the release of prepaid local telephone service.

This new program offers prepaid service at unrivaled rates averaging 50% less than similar plans.

Available now, Genesis' prepaid local service was designed with ease of use for the consumer as the number one goal. Customers simply call a toll-free number and a Genesis new accounts specialist walks them through the easy ordering process. Once payment is received, service is established in as little as three days. California residents also have the option of paying at one of the convenient Genesis authorized payment centers located throughout the state.

With an installation fee of $59.95 and a cost of $24.95 per month, Genesis' prepaid local service offers unprecedented savings. Competing programs charge as much as $75 for set-up and $50 per month thereafter. This is the ideal solution for individuals who have been unable to obtain standard phone service and need to establish better credit before qualifying for regular phone service.

"We believe that everyone is entitled to phone service at affordable rates. We saw an undeniable need for an easy to use prepaid plan for consumers that otherwise have been unable to obtain local phone service," said Derek M. Gietzen, president and chief executive officer of Genesis Communications. "Because we have always invested in technology, the systems we have in place allow us to offer prepaid local at an affordable rate, giving us a significant advantage over other prepaid providers."

With over two years of experience as a competitive local service provider, and substantial investments in technology, Genesis Communications is well situated to enter the prepaid market. They were one of the first companies to develop a system-to-system interface to support the electronic transfer of local service orders to the underlying LEC. In addition, in 1998 Genesis developed an enhanced service platform enabling them to create and offer vertical calling services tailored to the needs of their customers, including the ability to offer prepaid long distance to its prepaid local customers.

Genesis Communications has struck partnerships with a variety of payment centers throughout California to ensure convenience for customers. Genesis estimates that approximately 70% of the people that sign up for this service will have a payment center within 10 miles of their residence. The close proximity of payment centers, along with Genesis' bilingual customer service staff, guarantee that Genesis can offer this service while maintaining its reputation for excellent service. Genesis Communications is currently exploring similar partnerships in other states where they offer telecommunications service.

Founded in March of 1995, Genesis Communications International, Inc. provides local and long-distance services to over 55,000 customers in California, Arizona, Colorado and Oregon. The company is currently expanding its network into the states of New Mexico, Nevada and Texas. With roots in the residential marketplace, the San Diego-based company employs over 250 people and specializes in delivering competitive telecommunications services to a growing base of commercial and residential customers. For more information visit their Web site at www.genesisld.com