ZFREE and Woolworths announce Internet expansion

ZFREE and Woolworths announce free Internet expansion

ZFREE and Woolworths today announced a distribution arrangement which will see free Internet access extended to even more New Zealanders.

Selected Woolworths and Big Fresh stores will distribute free CD-Roms to people who have a computer but no existing Internet connection. The CDs will contain all the software that users need to connect to ZFREE, the free Internet access provider powered by CLEAR.

The partnership between a supermarket chain and a free Internet access provider is believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Woolworths spokesman Des Flynn says the supermarket chain is keen to assist ZFREE in making the Internet as accessible as possible. About 47 Woolworths and Big Fresh stores in the 12 regions currently covered by ZFREE will stock the free CDs.

ZFREE spokesman Ian Scherger says Woolworths is the perfect distribution partner, with stores in all of ZFREE’s local calling areas: Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Whangarei, Rotorua, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Napier/Hastings, Masterton and Dunedin.

“All that people have to do is ask the checkout operator for a CD,” says Mr Scherger.

Since its launch two weeks ago, ZFREE has already signed up more than 26,000 users through its web site at www.zfree.co.nz.

ZFREE users call a CLEAR local number for dial-up access, so they may be subject to Telecom’s “0867” Internet tax of two cents per minute after the first 10 hours online each month. ZFREE’s advanced helpdesk assistance is also charged for at a rate of $1.49 per minute.

ENDS

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