Zoom Ships USB Modem

Boston, MA, Aug. 2, 1999 - Zoom Telephonics Inc., (NASDAQ: ZOOM), has begun shipping USB (Universal Serial Bus) versions of its award-winning 56K V.90 external modem. The Zoom/FaxModem 56K USB is available in models for both Windows (Model 2985) and Macintosh iMAC® and Power Mac® computers with a USB port (Model 2986).

Use of the USB port allows simplified installation and faster performance. The modem plugs into a computer's external USB jack. Configuration is automatic and without the potential conflicts of an RS-232 serial port or an internal modem. An external power supply is not needed as the modem obtains its power from the USB port.

The performance of the Zoom/FaxModem 56K USB can be significantly better than that of a 56K modem that connects to a computer through a serial port. USB operates at speeds up to 12 Mbps; much faster than an RS-232 serial port. The modem is capable of receiving data from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), online service, or corporate LAN over a standard phone line at speeds up to 56 Kbps uncompressed or 230.4 Kbps with compression. Outgoing data is transmitted at uncompressed speeds of up to 33.6 Kbps. Estimated retail price of the Zoom/FaxModem 56K USB is $99.

Like other 56K modems in the company product line, the Zoom/FaxModem 56K USB is Dualmode, supporting both the V.90 ITU Standard and K56flex, the most commonly used pre-standard 56K technology. The Zoom Dualmode feature automatically selects V.90, K56flex, or if necessary, 33.6 Kbps or slower speed to achieve the fastest compatible connection.

The Zoom/FaxModem 56K USB features a re-programmable Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and flash memory for easy modem code updates. This means users will always have the most compatible, reliable and up-to-date technology.

Like all Zoom Dualmode modems, the Zoom/FaxModem 56K USB includes V.80 capability for compatibility with H.324 Standard point-to-point videotelephony over regular phone lines.

Additional features include Distinctive Ring support to automatically route voice, fax and data calls, extended status reporting, and ZoomGuard(tm) lightning protection. ZoomGuard provides superior protection against lightning, the number one cause of modem failure. ZoomGuard is not only better than the "varistor" protection found on other modems, but also outperforms most stand-alone surge protectors. A full range of status lights on the Zoom/Faxmodem 56K USB provides more information on the device's performance than reporting systems on other USB modems. The Zoom/Faxmodem 56K USB is backed by Zoom Telephonics' outstanding seven-year warranty.

Zoom Telephonics, a communications leader since 1977, designs, produces and markets faxmodems, Wireless LAN products, Home Phoneline Networking devices, ISDN products and other products that link people and their personal computers through the world's largest network, the international telephone network, and connected networks including the Internet and corporate local area networks. Zoom Telephonics is publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ:ZOOM - news). Zoom products are produced in Boston, Massachusetts and sold worldwide.

For additional information please contact Investor Relations, Zoom Telephonics, 207 South Street, Boston, MA 02111, telephone (617)423-1072, fax (617)338-5015, e-mail address investor@zoomtel.com. Zoom's World Wide Web site is www.zoom.com.