Since its May 17, 2006, separation from Sprint Nextel, Embarq Corp. has emerged as an innovative provider of communications solutions.

During its first six months as a stand-alone company, EMBARQ introduced its customers to several innovative, solutions to help meet their telecommunications needs. These solutions are part of the company's lineup of communications and entertainment services including local and long distance, data, high-speed Internet, wireless, and DISH Network® television services.

"In just a few months, we have delivered many 'firsts' to the U.S. telecom market," said Theresa Brick, EMBARQ public affairs manager.

Jeff Kagan, telecommunications industry analyst, said of EMBARQ, "They have introduced many innovative new ideas to the marketplace. They have been transforming the company and have been focused on implementing integrated products and services."

Innovation for consumer customers includes:

• Simplified high-speed Internet pricing that doesn't change for as long as the customer has the service, an industry first.

• The EMBARQ Retail Store at Clearview Mall is a one-stop-shop for communications needs. Preview our high-speed Internet, local and long distance plans, wireless, satellite TV and entertainment products and pay bills.

• EMBARQ One Voicemail that integrates EMBARQ wireless voicemail messages with those received on an EMBARQ wireline home phone.

• Up to 25 gigabytes of online storage space free through EMBARQ Media SafeSM, another industry first.

• Entering the home phone entertainment space as the first local telecommunications company to offer its home phone customers unique ringers for callers to hear.

Innovation for business customers include:

• EMBARQ Smart ConnectSM that allows businesses to move calls seamlessly between their wireless and wireline networks.

• EMBARQ is the first company in the country to offer EMBARQ Smart Connect Plus, enabling calls to automatically move between EMBARQ wireless and on-premise Wi-Fi network, whichever is strongest, without manual transfer of the call.

• The Business Resource Center, an innovative online portal that provides online content and applications to home-based and small businesses.

Other key milestones include:

• Activating the company's one millionth EMBARQ high-speed Internet subscriber.

• Redesigning the company's retail stores, which grew from 29 stores to 46 during 2006.

• DISH Network television services customers doubled in 2006 from 2005.

EMBARQ has supported Butler County through many sponsorships and contributions this past year.

A few of these projects include the United Way Day of Caring, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Lifesteps, Cruise-A-Palooza, the YWCA of Butler County, Heroes of the Homeland military support initiative, Butler County Emergency Services, Big Butler Fair, Butler County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, Penn Theater, Spirit of Christmas Parade, Veterans Day Rotary Pancake Festival and Ring in the Arts.