Surf dies for free net users

By CHRIS BARTON

Free internet provider surf4nix has ceased trading, leaving about 40 per cent of its customers stranded without free access.

But the company, which had about 2500 subscribers, says users in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton will be advised they can switch to i4free's service.

Surf4nix chief executive Aaron Brett said subscribers outside those areas would be able to switch to i4free in the next six to eight weeks when that company expanded its network to other regions. Some in outlying areas would be offered a $14.95 per month service for 100 hours' access.

Subscribers would be advised by email over the next few days.

Attica Communications director Wayne Toddun said i4free would host Surf4nix's website and all subscribers would be able to keep their surf4nix email addresses. Mr Brett would become an i4free employee.

Surf4nix, in operation since April, differed from other free providers - i4free, zfree and freenet - by requiring a $39.95 "membership charge."

It was also the only free provider to use Telecom's network and as such wasn't able to share in interconnection payment revenue received by Clear.

"We were in the wrong camp," said Mr Brett.

Mr Brett would not comment on whether surf4nix owed Telecom money, saying it was a matter the two parties were working through.

The Business Herald understands the amount in question is about $130,000. A Telecom spokesman said the company did not comment on commercial matters relating to its customers.

Mr Brett acknowledged there was some irony in the situation because he had supported the free internet model working on Telecom's network. When i4free won an injunction against Telecom disconnecting its service, Mr Brett filed an affidavit in support of Telecom's case.

"The world is a changing place. There were a number of things we expected to take place that didn't."