CMGI INC - Free Internet Access Now Available To Users Throughout
Canada
Story Filed: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 9:58 AM EST
New York, New York, Dec. 01, 1999 (Market News Publishing via COMTEX) -- AltaVista
Company, the premier new media and commerce network and a majority-owned operating company of
CMGI, Inc. is now offering free dial-up Internet access to users throughout Canada. AltaVista's free
Internet service couples online access with the AltaVista microportal, a small desktop window that
makes it faster and easier to search, view and customize Web content.
AltaVista's free dial-up Internet service is available immediately through local phone numbers to users
nationwide in Canada. The service covers more than 85 percent of the country, including the cities of
Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Moncton, Montreal, Oshawa, Ottawa,
Quebec City, Saskatoon, St. Catherines, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Windsor and Winnipeg.
AltaVista Free Access is immediately available and can be downloaded for free at
microav.com.
"AltaVista is one of Canada's leading Internet brands with premier services that make finding and
personalizing content on the Web fast and easy," said Bill Keenan, director of AltaVista Free Access.
"Canada is the first expansion of our free service outside of the successful offering in the United
States, and we are pleased to be working with a Canadian service provider."
AltaVista has experienced unprecedented success in the U.S. market, signing up over 800,000 users in
the three months since it has been offered. AltaVista Free Access is powered by patent-pending
technology from 1stUp.com Corporation, the leading provider of ad-supported Internet access solutions
and a majority-owned operating company of CMGI, Inc. PSINet Limited, a Canadian-based subsidiary
of PSINet Inc. (Nasdaq: PSIX) and a leading provider of IP-based communications services for
business, is providing its premium dial-up network to AltaVista Free Access users in Canada through
an agreement with 1stUp.com.
AltaVista is the first leading Internet brand to offer a quality nationwide dial-up Internet service
throughout Canada at no cost. AltaVista uniquely combines its Free Access with the world's first
microportal, a small desktop application that provides personalized, up-to-the-minute news and
information and links to premier AltaVista Network services. AltaVista recently introduced three
industry-leading Internet services into its network to put more power within the grasp of users than
ever before. Making their debuts are: AltaVista Live!, the Internet's first real-time personal
megaportal; New AltaVista Search, the Web's most powerful and comprehensive guide; and the New
AltaVista Shopping.com, a completely unbiased online buying guide designed to help users shop
smarter.
Each time a user logs on to Free Access, AltaVista Live! is displayed as the permanent home page,
giving the user instant access to customizable content and services on the AltaVista Network.
AltaVista's Free Access works with any Web browser and is accessible to users who have Internet
Explorer version 4.0 or higher installed on their PC. When users are online, the microportal can be
docked to the top or bottom of the desktop or positioned anywhere on screen. The microportal takes up
less than five percent of a user's screen space and contains a rotating advertisement within the
window. Users must interact with the microportal once an hour to maintain free Internet access.
Users seeking assistance can tap into the AltaVista Premium Support program with phone and online
technical support options, including guaranteed response times. Online help is available at
www.altavista.com and with the Free Access downloadable application at www.microav.com. E-mail
support has a guaranteed response time of 48 hours or less by sending a message to
questions-freeaccess@av.com. Phone-in customer support is also available by calling toll-free at
1-877-584-5551, allowing users to speak directly with customer care representatives and technicians.
About AltaVista Company AltaVista Company is the premier media and commerce network offering
Internet users up-to-the-minute news, live video, content, search and shopping resources. The company
integrates unique technology, products and services to deliver relevant results faster for both individuals
and businesses. By combining distinctive 'best of the Web' relationships with personalized service, the
AltaVista Network at www.altavista.com creates the smartest Internet experience. AltaVista is
building on its heritage of technology and innovative leadership, offering informative services including
AltaVista Live!, AltaVista Search, AltaVista Shopping.com, AltaVista Local, and Free Access
combined with the AltaVista microportal. AltaVista is a majority-owned operating company of CMGI,
Inc., Andover, Mass. Compaq Computer Corporation holds the remaining minority stake in
AltaVista. AltaVista is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif.
About 1stUp.com Corporation 1stUp.com, a majority-owned operating company of CMGI, Inc. is the
market leader in providing consumer-oriented businesses with ad-supported Internet access solutions.
Working through the marketing and distribution channels of innovative consumer brands, 1stUp.com
provides patent-pending technology that enables its partners to offer branded, cost-effective Internet
services to their customers. Aggregating the end-user bases of AltaVista and future partners,
1stup.com has the buying power of multiple brands and is able to pass along the benefits of optimal
connectivity costs and advertising revenues to its partners. For more information, visit
1stup.com.
About CMGI With more than 50 companies, CMGI, Inc. (Nasdaq:CMGI) represents the largest, most
diverse network of Internet companies in the world. This network includes both CMGI operating
companies and a growing number of synergistic investments through its venture capital affiliate,
@Ventures. CMGI leverages the technologies, content, and market reach of its extended family of
companies to foster rapid growth and industry leadership across its network, and the larger Internet
Economy. Compaq, Intel Microsoft, and Sumitomo hold minority positions in CMGI., CMGI Corporate
headquarters is located at 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810. Telephone: 978-684-3600. Fax:
978-684-3814. Additional information, including a complete listing of all the companies in the CMGI
network, is available at cmgi.com. |
