1stUp.com and GTE Internetworking Team Up to Expand Internet Access Across U.S.

Strategic Insights -

1stUp.com Corporation, a leading provider of sponsor-subsidized Internet access solutions in the United States, has entered into an agreement with GTE Internetworking, a world leader in E-business infrastructure. The partnership will add hundreds of new dial access numbers accessible to 1stUp.com-affiliated free access users across the U.S., including expanded coverage in smaller density regions through GTE Internetworking's DiaLinx VISP service. This collaboration enables 1stUp.com to offer full-service, branded dial-up Internet access to its customers by outsourcing all of the hardware, software, and back-office support functions necessary to provide dial-up Internet access.

Key Takeaways:

  • 1stUp.com has partnered with GTE Internetworking to expand its coverage of dial access numbers across the U.S., adding hundreds of new numbers, particularly in smaller density regions.
  • The partnership enables 1stUp.com to provide full-service, branded dial-up Internet access to its customers through GTE Internetworking's DiaLinx VISP service.
  • GTE Internetworking will provide 850 local access numbers across the U.S. and 2,500 local access points in 153 countries worldwide.
  • 1stUp.com powers leading sponsor-supported free access offerings for consumer-oriented businesses, including AltaVista FreeAccess, FreeLane by Excite@Home, and Lycos Free Internet Access.
  • The partnership aims to enable Internet users in every town across America to access the web through a reliable connection, for free.
  • 1stUp.com's President and CEO, Charles Katz, stated that the agreement with GTE Internetworking "reinforces and increases our national ISP coverage" and confirms that free-access is encompassing networks across the U.S.
  • GTE Internetworking delivers complete network solutions, including dial-up and dedicated Internet access, high-performance Web hosting, virtual private networks (VPNs), managed Internet security, network management, systems integration, and Web-based application development.

Statistics:

  • GTE Internetworking offers over 850 local access numbers across the U.S.
  • 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.
  • 1stUp.com aggregates the end-user bases of AltaVista, Excite@Home, Lycos, and 60 additional partners, delivering free, reliable Internet access to over 90 percent of the U.S. and Canada.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, March 20, 2000 - "New Dial-up Access Services from GTE Internetworking Extend 1stUp.com's Coverage Across U.S. and Further into Small Cities & Rural Areas"
  • CMGI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended [no date provided]
  • GTE Internetworking's website at http://www.bbn.com
  • GTE Corp.'s website at http://www.gte.com
  • 1stUp.com's website at http://www.1stup.com