To: trouthead who wrote (14145 ) 10/1/1998 4:44:00 PM From: Erik Lundby Respond to of 27307
Yeah, And others such as these guys: SAN JOSE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 1998-- While major ISP's hike fees and limit user access -- Tritium is convinced free Net service is the way of the future Tritium Network announced today that it is bringing its new advertiser-supported, free Internet access service to San Jose. PC users with local dial-up in area code (408) can now surf the Web and exchange email for free -- joining the thousands of Tritium customers already established in Atlanta; Boston; Charlotte, NC; Chicago; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Dallas; Houston; Indianapolis; Miami; New York; San Francisco and Washington D.C. At a time when other Internet service providers (ISP) are raising rates and considering restricting user access, Tritium Network is operating on another premise -- that consumers would rather have free access in exchange for a narrow, advertising "ticker tape" at the bottom of their PC screens. Tritium's patent-pending AdPath, a push technology application, displays and rotates ads every 30 seconds based on user demographics. About once a month, members fill out short questionnaires about buying preferences and in return, Tritium selects audience-appropriate ads that fit user needs and interests. "Until now, people have been able to access a lot of valuable content and email services for free, but they still had to pay their Internet service provider," said Michael Lee, president. "Now, with Tritium's technology, we can save users an average of $263 per year on access fees." While Others Raise Prices, Tritium Stays Free In the wake of a string of announced ISP price increases -- including Pacific Bell's recent announcement of a $2 monthly increase and 150-hour monthly access cap starting in August -- Tritium is competitively positioned to lure even greater numbers of consumers to its free program. Pacific Bell's increase follows a similar announcement from America Online in February and WebTV in March. Tritium also stands to gain an advantage over a local San Jose-based competitor, Bigger.Net. Bigger.Net operates on a similar advertiser-supported philosophy as Tritium, but requires that users first hand over a $59.95 start-up fee before going online; and pay an annual $10 after the first year for an email account. In contrast, Tritium charges no start-up fees and its email services are free. Consumers interested in subscribing can register now at the Tritium Web site (http://www.tritium.Net). Once users complete a pre-registration process, a membership access code to download Tritium's software is automatically distributed within a few days on a first-come, first-serve basis. Initially, the number of members in San Jose will be limited to preserve a high quality of service. Any overflow applicants will be placed on a waiting list and offered free access as Tritium's services continue to expand. "We don't want to 'AOL' anyone with a busy signal," explained Lee. About Tritium Network Tritium Network is a full-function ISP that currently provides free access to select cities. Tritium will be expanding nationwide this fall and expects to have more than 1 million subscribers by the close of 1998. Tritiums AdPath Graphical User Interface does not impact users bandwidth due to unique, patent-pending technologies. In addition to providing free Internet access, Tritium will provide free email, and by the fall of 1998, free chat room and news groups services. Tritium Network also offers Web development services and rapid market research on its viewer base. A Macintosh version will be in beta production stages by the fall of 1998. CONTACT: PR Contact: Angela Toda/Kim Freeman The Terpin Group-New York 212-473-7500 atoda@terpin.com kfreeman@terpin.com