Taubman Malls Offer Tenants Free Basic Internet Access

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the importance of connectivity to retailing success, Taubman, through its preferred vendor, Single Digits, will offer free basic Internet access to all tenants in 20 of the regional and super regional malls it manages across the United States. Beginning this summer, a business-class T1 equivalent service will be offered free of charge to tenants - - large or small - - leasing space in Taubman owned and managed properties, the most productive in the publicly held U.S. regional mall industry.

"We know that the best retailers are pursuing omni-channel customer engagement strategies," said Taubman Chief Technology Officer Michael Osment, "and that requires fast, secure Internet access to execute both customer-facing programs and back-of-the-store operations."

Over the last several years, major mall operators, including Taubman, have offered a range of digital services to tenants and shoppers in their properties, including free consumer Wi Fi. But this is the first time tenants have been offered Business Class Internet access free of charge. "Being the first in our industry to provide access to this service for free at nearly all of our shopping centers is consistent with our historic commitment to maximize the productivity and shopper appeal of our retailers' brick and mortar assets."

Osment estimates that this new offering will reduce ­costs for tenants using the service by approximately $100 to $200 per month. This makes it possible for even the smallest tenants in kiosks or temporary inline space to connect efficiently with their customers. Retailers requiring even faster speeds will be able to upgrade at discounted rates through Single Digits, a leading high-speed Internet service management and support company. "We have a fiber-optic infrastructure in place to meet or exceed whatever level of service our retailers require," said Osment.  

For more information about the Taubman program, visit www.singledigits.com/taubmanoffer.

About Single Digits

Single Digits, Inc. is a leading provider of enterprise-class voice and data solutions combining traditional telecommunications with cutting edge technology capabilities such as wireless analytics, hosted applications, DAS, and MPLS interconnection.

About Taubman

Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE: TCO) is an S&P MidCap 400 Real Estate Investment Trust engaged in the ownership, management and/or leasing of 27 regional, super-regional and outlet shopping centers in the U.S. and Asia. Taubman is currently developing six properties in the U.S. and Asia totaling 5.6 million square feet. Taubman, with over 60 years of experience in the shopping center industry, is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Taubman Asia is headquartered in Hong Kong. www.taubman.com.

For ease of use, references in this press release to "Taubman Centers," "company," "Taubman" or an operating platform mean Taubman Centers, Inc. and/or one or more of a number of separate, affiliated entities. Business is actually conducted by an affiliated entity rather than Taubman Centers, Inc. itself or the named operating platform.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Actual results may differ materially from those expected because of various risks and uncertainties.  You should review the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports, for a discussion of such risks and uncertainties.

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SOURCE Taubman Centers, Inc.