1stUp.com and NaviNet Partnership Expands Internet Access Solutions

Strategic Insights -

1stUp.com, a leading provider of ad-supported Internet access solutions, has signed an agreement with NaviNet, a provider of high-performance, private label Internet access services. This partnership will enable 1stUp.com's free access partners to benefit from NaviNet's state-of-the-art nationwide Internet access network, which became available on October 22nd. AltaVista Company, whose FreeAccess offering is powered by 1stUp.com's technology, is the first partner to take advantage of this network. The partnership will provide 1stUp.com with a more efficient and robust network, allowing it to offer its users a faster and more reliable Internet experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between 1stUp.com and NaviNet will provide 1stUp.com's free access partners with access to NaviNet's state-of-the-art nationwide Internet access network, which became available on October 22nd.
  • AltaVista Company, whose FreeAccess offering is powered by 1stUp.com's technology, is the first 1stUp.com partner to benefit from NaviNet's network.
  • NaviNet's innovative switch-bypass and private-transit Internet connectivity technologies will expand the premium network available to 1stUp.com's affiliated free access users and help improve network performance.
  • GeoDial SP, NaviNet's flagship service, combines price, performance, and coverage advantages that allow ISPs to selectively expand their local dial-up coverage while significantly lowering their cost per subscriber.
  • 1stUp.com's technology and business model enable partners like AltaVista to maximize advertising dollars to offer free access in a manner similar to the television broadcast model.
  • Users keep a small, sponsor-oriented navigation bar on their screen for the duration of their online sessions, in exchange for free full-featured Internet access.
  • The NaviNet partnership represents 1stUp.com's second major agreement with a CMGI-affiliated company in as many weeks.

Statistics:

  • NaviNet's current network coverage reaches over 50% of the U.S. online population.
  • The partnership will benefit over 600,000 subscribers of AltaVista FreeAccess.
  • NaviNet's network will reach more than 80% of the U.S. online population by the end of the year.
  • 1stUp.com has signed a preferred advertising agreement with online ad network, Adsmart, and is the market leader in providing consumer-oriented businesses with ad-supported Internet access solutions.
  • CMGI, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMGI) represents the largest, most diverse network of Internet companies in the world, with over 50 companies under its umbrella.

Sources:

  • 1stUp.com press release, November 8, 1999
  • NaviNet press release, November 8, 1999
  • CMGI press release, November 1, 1999
  • AltaVista Company press release, August 1999
  • 1stUp.com website, http://www.1stup.com
  • NaviNet website, http://www.navinet.net
  • CMGI website, http://www.cmgi.com