Aug. 15, 2001 — Rent-Way, the nation’s second largest operator of rental purchase stores, will offer computers pre-installed with Slingshot Prepaid Internet Access and sell refill minutes in 1,130 stores Nationwide.

Slingshot Communications Inc. and Rent-Way, Inc. (NYSE: RWY) today announced that Slingshot Prepaid Internet Access software will be pre-installed on all Gateway computers leased in Rent-Way stores.

"We are very excited about this partnership," said Keith Kegley, CEO of Slingshot Communications. "1 in 3 consumers cannot subscribe to a traditional ISP service because a credit card is required. Slingshot is committed to serving these consumers and Rent-Way is the perfect partner to do so."

All Rent-way computers from Gateway will ship with the Slingshot software and customers will be able to purchase Internet minutes as needed at Rent-Way locations. $10 will buy 10 hours of local Internet access and includes a free e-mail account. "We have had very successful tests of Slingshot prepaid Internet access in our stores, and are making the move toward pre-installation to make the product even more convenient for our customers," said Ron Koller, Director of New Product Development for Rent-way. "Carrying the Slingshot product will give our customers one more reason to visit our stores."

About Slingshot
Slingshot Communications is a prepaid technology and marketing company. Slingshot’s mission is to become the premier provider of prepaid communications products and services. The initial Slingshot product is an inexpensive, toll-free, prepaid Internet access CD that allows a user to get on the Internet in four steps and less than two minutes. For more information, visit www.slingshot.com.

About Rent-Way
Rent-Way is the second largest operator of rental-purchase stores in the United States. Rent-Way rents quality name-brand merchandise such as home entertainment equipment, computers, furniture and appliances from 1,130 stores in 42 states. Rent-Way is the exclusive rental-purchase supplier of Gateway computers. For more information, visit www.rentway.com.