By FRANCESCA MOLD
A new Internet service that will allow users to surf cyberspace free is being launched by an Auckland company, surf4nix.com.
It is the first time the concept of free Internet access provided by advertising revenue has been tried in New Zealand, although similar services have been set up in Australia, Britain and the United States.
The service, which will be up and running by March 28, could save some Internet users up to $500 a year.
According to a company spokesman, Aaron Brett, www.surf4nix.com will work on the same principle as free-to-air television.
In return for receiving unlimited free Internet access, users will be exposed to advertising located on a small onscreen window.
The costs of providing the free service will be covered by revenue the company receives from advertisers.
Because of set-up costs, surf4 nix. com will initially be available only to users in Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, but Mr Brett plans to extend it to the rest of the country and Australia later this year.
Dr Rick Starr, Auckland University Internet marketing expert, said the concept of providing free access to the World Wide Web was taking off in overseas countries and should be welcomed here because it provided more choice for consumers.
"But its success will really depend on its popularity. People are fairly loyal to their service provider and it can be a hassle to change."
Dr Starr said the new service could work only if enough users signed on to attract advertisers. He said this might be difficult in a country the size of New Zealand.
Keith Norris, of the Direct Marketing Association, said that in general the use of banner advertising to market products on the Internet was becoming less and less popular.
Glen Sowry, communications manager of Xtra, said the Internet market was highly competitive and the company would watch the development of surf4nix.com with interest.
Xtra has a number of plans available to Internet users, with costs ranging from $2.50 an hour to unlimited access for a monthly rate of $39.95.
Mr Sowry said people considering using surf4nix.com must realise there was a catch.
"You have to supply information about yourself which will be used to force-feed you advertisements. It really depends what users want, but we are confident most people are prepared to pay to use an established provider which offers clean access to the Internet."
Mr Sowry said overseas experience with similar services showed the number of people signing up to free sites was minimal.
But Mr Brett said some overseas models had attracted up to 1.5 million members and the largest Internet provider in the UK offered free access.
To join surf4nix.com, users must fill in a questionnaire about their interests and hobbies so advertising can be targeted towards them.
They must also introduce three other users to the site.
Consumers with an existing Internet connection on their computer can simply download the service from www.surf4nix.com.
Free ride on the way for Web surfers: with a catch
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.