'StartFree' Free Internet Service Launches in Dallas; User-friendly Ad Interface And Unequivocal User Privacy Pledge Are Major Features of New Service.Business/High Tech Editors DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2000 Why shouldn't Internet access See how to access the Internet. be free for everyone? Starting today, it is -- thanks to StartFree(tm) (www.StartFree.com), the smarter, user-friendly free Internet service An ISP that provides access to the Internet without charge to the user. The service is supported by advertising which appears on a special version of the user's browser and cannot be eliminated. NetZero (www.netzero. available today to the greater Dallas metropolitan area. StartFree features the two features wanted most by free Internet service users: -- A restriction on ad messages. Ads are limited to a ticker-tape-like strip, using only 10 percent of available viewing space at the bottom of the screen. -- A guaranteed consumer privacy policy, eliminating spying of other free services (O.Eng. Law) such feudal services as were not unbecoming the character of a soldier or a freemen to perform; as, to serve under his lord in war, to pay a sum of money, etc. See also: Free . Users may download the free software at www.StartFree.com -- and be on the Internet in minutes. Free e-mail See Internet e-mail service. is also included in the service. "Our customers find StartFree among the most visually pleasing ad-supported ISPs," said Michael Lee, StartFree president. "Unlike other free access providers, we restrict where our advertisers' messages will run. StartFree web surfing should be fun, free, and not an eyesore eye·sore n. Something, such as a distressed building, that is unpleasant or offensive to view. eyesore Noun something very ugly Noun 1. ." StartFree also opposes invasion of privacy invasion of privacy n. the intrusion into the personal life of another, without just cause, which can give the person whose privacy has been invaded a right to bring a lawsuit for damages against the person or entity that intruded. , the public's greatest concern in adopting free Internet service. "We pledge not to 'watch' where users go online without their permission," said Lee. "In addition to saving an average of $250 per year on access fees, StartFree users are assured that what they do online, or where they go, remains private." StartFree.com has teamed with the Adsmart online advertising network, which is comprised of more than 400 Web sites totaling more than three billion monthly impressions. "While all other ad-supported ISPs operate at huge losses to secure raw user numbers," Lee added, "we enjoy immediate revenues through our relationship with Adsmart." The service also has fixed-cost dial-up connectivity through Level3 Communications (Nasdaq:LVLT LVLT Level 3 Communications, Inc. (stock abbreviation, AMEX) ), a national and international network communications provider. The free Internet market has barely been tapped, with less than eight percent of all US Internet users signed up for free Internet service. "We're launching StartFree in 30 major US markets," Lee added. "Free Internet access is making the Internet available for everyone, and StartFree plans to be a major force in making that happen." StartFree's headquarters are located at 9356 Montgomery Rd., Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242. Telephone number is 513/699-1300. StartFree is a service of Thinking Tools, Inc. (OTCBB OTCBB See OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB). :TSIM). |
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