Sprint and KoolConnect(TM) Technologies today introduced a new service for the hospitality industry that enables hotels to offer their guests a complete in- room high-speed entertainment package, including Internet access, music, games and digital movies-on-demand with VCR functionality.

The new service, called Sprint InSite(SM) with KoolConnect Interactive Media, is being introduced at the 2001 HITEC show (booth #129), June 26-28, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Sprint InSite also features high-speed Internet access for laptop computer users and allows hotels to offer online concierge services through the TV in each room. Sprint InSite is custom designed for each hotel, allowing hotels to extend their brand and create a product that reflects their corporate identity.

``Sprint InSite offers hotel guests a complete package of entertainment options and provides hotel owners with a variety of business benefits,'' said Jaime Jones, Sprint vice president of sales. ``The addition of Sprint InSite is part of Sprint's strategy to focus on high-growth telecommunications services and adds to our portfolio of local, long distance and high-speed data services that we offer to resorts, hotels and other Multiple Tenant Units (MTUs).

'' Operated via remote control device or wireless keyboard, Sprint InSite uses the latest technology to deliver entertainment services through the TV in each guest room. By using Sprint InSite, hotels and their customers can surf the Internet and check e-mail at high speeds right from their TVs. Guests who bring their own laptop computer can also use Sprint InSite to gain high-speed Internet access by plugging into an Ethernet port.

Users can also talk on the phone and access the Internet simultaneously.

Sprint InSite's digital movies-on-demand system also turns any hotel room into a private movie house, allowing guests access to a potential inventory of up to 200 full-length feature films, including first-run releases (those still playing in theatres).

Digital movies-on-demand provides quality and functionality similar to today's DVD players, with capabilities such as play, pause and stop. It also allows guests to watch movies as many times as they'd like over a 24-hour period.

``KoolConnect's commitment to make Sprint InSite successful for its customers is part of our overall strategy of providing the hospitality industry with comprehensive entertainment content at a cost effective price,'' said Eran Segev, president of KoolConnect. ``Sprint InSite is designed to make every stay more enjoyable for guests -- whether they're staying for business or pleasure -- and to reinforce the hotel's branding and customized services.

'' Sprint InSite also allows guests to listen to their favorite music -- they can even create their own top 30 list of songs that can be accessed at any hotel that offers Sprint InSite. A variety of games and local and regional information -- including news, weather, maps and guides -- is also available.

Hotel Owner Benefits In addition to offering entertainment options to hotel guests, Sprint InSite also provides many benefits to hotel owners. For example, Sprint InSite offers a complete menu of customizable concierge services, easily tailored to each property's unique requirements. Hotel owners can create menus on the TV that allow guests to make reservations, purchase flowers or order pizza right from the TV in their rooms.

Each page also offers advertising space for local and national businesses, providing additional revenue opportunities for hotels, area businesses and national corporations. Sprint InSite also has a messaging system that improves communication with guests and saves hotel staff time. The messaging system allows the hotel staff to send out important messages to large or small groups of guests using an office computer.

For example, if a convention is being held at the hotel and an event time and location has changed, the hotel staff can send the message to all convention attendees over Sprint InSite with the click of a mouse. A red light on top of the TV alerts guests that they have a message. ``There are three key things that position Sprint InSite well to serve the hospitality market,'' said Imran Khan, senior analyst at The Yankee Group.

``First, Sprint InSite offers a bundled solution to the hospitality market that is much more than the stand-alone high-speed Internet access offered by most others in this arena. Sprint InSite provides a full array of content, ranging from digital movies-on-demand and music to concierge services. Second, Sprint InSite is customized for each hotel, giving hotel owners an opportunity to create their unique look and extend their brand.

And third, Sprint InSite is backed by the Sprint brand name, giving it the financial stability and credibility in a market where many providers have failed to deliver on promises.'' New York Hotel First to Install Sprint InSite On The Ave Hotel in New York, N.Y., recently became the first hotel to install Sprint InSite, and will offer the new product in all of its 251 guest rooms.

``Travelers expect New York hotels to offer cutting edge services, especially our clientele, which includes performers, entertainment professionals and media specialists,'' said Edward Maynard, general manager of On The Ave Hotel. ``By working with Sprint and KoolConnect, not only have we created one of the most technologically-savvy hotels in the country, we've made the hotel a better experience for our guests, which is the most important thing we can do.''

PCS wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities. About KoolConnect Technologies KoolConnect is a new and innovative Entertainment and Internet connectivity solutions company focused on the hospitality industry.

Their unique solution blends complete, Digital Video entertainment solutions, In-room high-speed Internet connectivity and integrated hotel messaging and Concierge services into one simple, easy-to-use system. For more information visit http://www.KoolConnect.com . About On The Ave Hotel: On The Ave Hotel is the Upper West Side's authentic neighborhood hotel, located just blocks from Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, ABC studios, CBS studios and many of the city's leading restaurants, clubs and entertainment.

Newly renovated, stylish accommodations feature amenities ranging from Gilchrist & Soames bath accessories to weekday New York Times delivery. Twenty-three brand-new penthouse rooms and suites top the full-service hotel. For more information, visit http://www.ontheave-nyc.com