Bolt.com and 1stUp.com Partner for Free Internet Access

Strategic Insights -

Bolt.com, a leading Internet destination for teens, has announced a partnership with 1stUp.com Corporation to offer free Internet service to its three million users. This move marks a significant innovation in the Internet industry, providing a free and unlimited web access solution to users across the United States. The partnership leverages 1stUp.com's ad-supported Internet access solutions, allowing Bolt.com users to download a free Internet application from the Bolt.com website. This application presents users with an advertising and navigation window featuring the dynamic design of the award-winning Bolt.com website.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bolt.com becomes the first teen site to offer free ISP with 1stUp.com's ad-supported Internet access solution.
  • Over 47% of U.S. online households would switch to an ISP with economic incentives, according to a Jupiter Communications Consumer Survey.
  • Bolt.com has established a large and loyal customer base, with 3 million users, and is considered the "stickiest site" for teens on the Internet, according to Media Metrix.
  • The partnership allows 1stUp.com to aggregate the end-user bases of Bolt.com, AltaVista, and future partners, providing optimal connectivity and advertising benefits to partners.
  • Dan Pelson, CEO of Bolt Media Inc., emphasized the importance of free Internet access in giving the Bolt.com community what they want, aligning with the company's content, community, and commerce initiatives.

Statistics:

  • 47% of U.S. online households would switch to an ISP with economic incentives, according to a Jupiter Communications Consumer Survey (March 1999).
  • 1stUp.com's partner, AltaVista, reached 350,000 end-users in the first four weeks of the service through 1stUp.com's solution.
  • Bolt.com users view 100 million pages on the site per month, according to Nielsen/I-Pro.

Sources:

  • Bolt Media Inc. press release, dated September 21, 1999
  • 1stUp.com Corporation press release, dated September 21, 1999
  • Jupiter Communications report on Internet Service Distributors (March 1999)
  • About Bolt.com section, dated September 21, 1999
  • About 1stUp.com section, dated September 21, 1999