ACTIONTEC INTRODUCES ‘DUAL PC MODEM’ FOR DIAL-UP USERS; PERMITS MULTIPLE PCs TO SHARE A 56K INTERNET CONNECTION

Fast V.92 Connectivity;Instant Home or Small Office Network

SUNNYVALE, CA (June 16, 2003) -- Actiontec Electronics today introduced the Dual PC Modem, one of the first analog modems enabling two or more PCs to share a single 56K dial-up Internet connection as well as printers and other computer resources. The unit utilizes the Quick Connect feature of the newly ratified V.92 protocol to deliver faster dial-up, outperforms other analog modems because of a controller-based design, and installs in just a few minutes.

“Shared Internet connections have been available to broadband users for several years, but until recently this has not been an option for the eight out of 10 Internet users who still access the Internet through dial-up,” said Dean Chang, President and CEO of Actiontec Electronics. “Our Dual PC Modem eliminates the need to add extra phone lines and pay for multiple ISP accounts to accommodate family Internet usage. Now multiple users can go online simultaneously over the same 56K analog connection.”

With this new external modem, two PCs connected via Ethernet cables can share Internet download speeds of up to 56K and establish a network making it possible to exchange files, use the same printer, and share other peripherals. Additional PCs can be connected through a hub or wireless access point.

The product’s support for V.92-based Quick Connect enables the modem to memorize the characteristics of the user’s phone line to reduce connection time. In addition, the modem’s controller-based design ensures that users will be able to run other applications while using the Internet, because no power is required from the computer itself. In contrast, Windows-based modems draw their power from the computer processor, frequently limiting the user’s ability to perform online and offline operations at the same time.

Other features of the Dual PC Modem include:

· A “dial on demand” function that begins the Internet dialing process automatically when the user opens a web page. · Automatic disconnect when the user has been idle for a specified period of time. · Easy installation with color-coded cables and Actiontec’s exclusive Installation Buddy, an on-screen visual aid that guides users through the installation process.

The Dual PC Modem also includes a built-in firewall that hides local PCs from Internet detection; support for the popular V.90 and K56flex protocols as well as the new V.92 standard; and compatibility with most Internet Service Providers. Service providers must support V.92 in order for users to take advantage of the modem’s Quick Connect features.

Specifications and Pricing Actiontec’s Dual PC Modem comes with two Ethernet cables for connecting two PCs, a six-foot modular telephone cable for accessing the dial-up connection, a power cord, an Installation Buddy CD-ROM, a Quick Start Guide, and a user’s manual on CD-ROM. Minimum system requirements include a Pentium 133 PC with 64MB RAM running Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, and an available Ethernet port. Two Ethernet ports are required when connecting two PCs for shared Internet access. A CD-ROM drive is required on each computer to use the Installation Buddy. The product will be available from the Actiontec online store at http://www.actiontecstore.com  and will be available next month through retail channels for $69.95 (MSRP).

About Actiontec Actiontec Electronics, Inc. is a leading supplier of analog and broadband devices designed to facilitate or leverage Internet access. The company’s complete line of DSL, router, wireless LAN, Internet telephony, and analog products includes the industry’s first call waiting modems, home DSL modems and wireless home gateways. Actiontec products have been recognized with a Best of Show award at Retail Xchange, Editors Choice awards from CNET’s computers.com and homePCnetwork.com, and Top 100 Products of the Year from Computer Shopper. Actiontec products are available through national distribution, retail outlets, and Actiontec's online store as well as through private label and Tier 1 OEM relationships. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and maintains branch offices in Austin, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; Reading, United Kingdom; China and Taiwan. For more information, phone 408-752-7700, fax 408-541-9003, or visit http://www.actiontec.com.