Public shows it wants FREE Internet service

Attention Chief Reporters
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2000

Public shows it wants FREE Internet service

The New Zealand public are flocking to join the free Internet access site i4free after a court injunction ruled that Telecom must restore the lines they disconnected on Friday and over the weekend to stop the service being launched.

i4free’s Managing Director Annette Presley says the company’s subscriber base is increasing dramatically and last night, after the injunction was announced on television news, the site started receiving 10 visitors per minute.

“Obviously the public is tired of Telecom’s excessive charging regime and monopolistic attitude and are welcoming the arrival of free public access to the Internet.

“We are receiving subscribers and support from the entire public, which include executives, university students, small business offices and retired persons. They are all signing up. It’s great to see all this support and to know we are offering the public a service they want and need.

“A lot of people are clearly angry at the unjust nature of Telecom’s heavy-handed approach to dealing with competitors.”

Annette Presley says the temporary injunction granted yesterday vindicated her view that that Telecom has breached the Commerce Act, but the real test will come next week.

“It’s fantastic that the public are supporting us. We’re a small New Zealand business, but really what we are providing is a public service.

“People overseas are enjoying free Internet Service Providers in their millions, it’s simply wrong that Telecom can deny New Zealander’s that opportunity.

The largest online travel company in New Zealand, travel.co.nz have come out in public support of i4free and their battle with Telecom.

“Over the weekend Telecom unilaterally cut off more than 2000 customers it wrongly thought were associated with us, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association which has 1000 members. How unjust is that?”

For further information:

Annette Presley
Chief Executive Officer
i4free
Contact through Emma Groves
(09) 915-7600
or directly on (029) 612-612

Note to editors. Additional pictures of Annette Presley are available electronically from:
Name: Doug Cole: Phone: (09) 410 3233
E-mail: dougc@kiwilink.co.nz

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