COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 12, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- GTC Telecom, Corp. (OTCBB:GTCC), the low cost leader of long distance and telecommunications services throughout the United States, announced that it will become a featured supplier in the MasterCard Exclusives Online(tm) program located at (http://www.mastercard.com/exclusives), a secure, one-stop purchasing source available to MasterCard(r) enrolled members.
"Joining forces with MasterCard Exclusives Online(tm) gives GTC Telecom a direct sales channel to one of our key target market segments, credit card paying customers. MasterCard(r) customers will find our 5 Cent Plan with no monthly fee to be a perfect fit. We have always offered credit card paying customers our lowest rates, and now we have a great opportunity to introduce GTC Telecom's industry leading products directly to these ideal prospects," commented Eric Clemons, Chief Operating Officer for GTC Telecom.
Mr. Clemons continued, "In addition to offering great long distance rates to the members of MasterCard Exclusives Online(tm) program, GTC Telecom can also market our other low-priced products such as $9.95 Unlimited Internet and prepaid calling cards, which both offer credit card billing options. We are used to handling high volumes of credit card billing, so we are very conscious of securing and protecting customer information. The timing of this campaign also fits in nicely with the planned roll-out of our new online billing option early next year, which will be exclusively for credit card customers.
"Besides offering some of the best values in long distance and Internet products, we feel that our other strengths, the high quality of GTC Telecom's products combined with our commitment to customer service excellence, make GTC Telecom a natural fit for the MasterCard Exclusives Online(tm) program. We are pleased to be a supplier in this program and look forward to working together on multiple marketing campaigns targeted to this strategic customer base," concluded Mr. Clemons.
MasterCard Exclusives Online(tm) delivers money-saving offers on a select group of products and services. Cardholders who sign-up for the program receive personalized emails containing special offers available only to members. Consumers can also customize their MasterCard Exclusives Online(tm) account by selecting exactly the type of offers they want to receive.
About MasterCard International
MasterCard International has the most comprehensive portfolio of payment brands in the world. More than 1 billion MasterCard(r), Cirrus(r) and Maestro(r) logos are present on credit, charge and debit cards in circulation today. An association comprised of 22,000 member financial institutions, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses, both large and small, in 210 countries and territories. MasterCard is the leader in quality and innovation, offering a wide range of payment solutions in the virtual and traditional worlds. With more than 18 million acceptance locations, no card is accepted in more places and by more merchants than the MasterCard Card. In 1999, gross dollar volume exceeded US$727 billion. MasterCard can be reached through its World Wide Web site at http://www.mastercard.com.
About GTC Telecom
Founded in 1997, GTC Telecom is a telecom company, providing long distance service to residential and business customers throughout the United States. GTC Telecom has some of the lowest long distance rates in the industry today to compete with AT&T (NYSE:T), Sprint (NYSE:FON), IDT Corp. (Nasdaq:IDTC), and Talk.com (Nasdaq:TALK) among others. Named by the Kiplinger's Letter, as the "real nickel-a-minute plan", GTC Telecom offers five cents per minute on state-to-state calls, anytime, any day with no monthly fee if payment is made by credit card. Consumers that choose not to be billed on a credit card will be charged a $1.95 per month processing fee. Business customers can also enjoy a 5-cent rate plan for a $4.95 monthly fee. GTC Telecom offers basic unlimited 56k dial up Internet access for $9.95 per month, which competes with other Internet service providers such as Earthlink (Nasdaq:ELNK) and MSN Internet (Nasdaq:MSFT). The Company also offers long distance calling cards via the Internet on its Web site, www.ecallingcards.com. For further information or to sign up for long distance services call 1-800-GTCTELECOM or visit the Web site at www.gtctelecom.com.
Except for historical financial information that may be contained herein, the matters set forth in this release are forward-looking statements that are dependent on certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to such factors as market demand, pricing, and changes in worldwide economic conditions.