Now that national Internet service providers, manufacturers and retailers
are partnering up to promote potentially free computers with long-term
Internet access agreements, Best Buy
Co. and Prodigy Communications
Corp. have decided to take their nearly-free computer deal nationwide.
The Best Buy-Prodigy promotion is scheduled to commence Thursday throughout
the Minneapolis-based retailers 317 U.S. locations.
Following a successful three-city pilot program, the consumer electronics
retailer and Prodigy have joined forces to offer affordable computer systems with
Internet access to millions of computerless consumers across the nation.
Brad Anderson, Best Buy president, said the company is leveraging its
ability to provide a variety of home computing options to brand-conscious
buyers.
“Best Buy’s consumer retail expertise, national presence and
inventory assortment provides us the formula for a successful rollout and
consistently high levels of customer service nationwide,” he said.
The promotion provides an in-store rebate of up to $400 with a three-year
Prodigy service agreement. Prodigy’s unlimited access program is less than
$20 a month and includes up to six e-mail addresses.
David Trachtenberg, Prodigy president said that the marketing strength of
this relationship makes for a powerful business model.
“Best Buy leads the consumer home computer market and
Prodigy is one of the most recognized brand names in the Internet space.
Together, we can offer customers confidence in their purchase, reliable
service and most of all, the excitement of making the Internet both
affordable and fun,” Trachtenberg said.
