NBC Internet Inc. is getting into the
free Internet access game through a deal with integrated media firm Spinway.com.
The interactive companies Wednesday announced an alliance to provide free
Internet access to NBCi’s 12 million registered members of its XOOM.com Web portal.
Spinway.com will provide the Internet access and advertising services to
support the NBCi free service offeromg. NBCi (NBCI)
will obtain a minority equity stake in Spinway.com in exchange for distribution. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The new free Internet service plans to lure users to its search, shopping
and resource centers features as co-branded at NBCi’s XOOM.com and Snap.com portals.
Chris Kitze, NBCi chief executive officer, said the free Internet access
offer would keep members loyal to its Web portals.
“Today’s agreement with Spinway.com enables NBCi’s XOOM.com to add free
Internet access to our already impressive list of high-quality Internet
tools and functionality that attracts users to become members and transact
with our e-commerce and shopping partners,” Kitze said.
Danny Robinson, Spinway.com founder and chief executive officer, said the
NBCi free Internet service offer enables XOOM.com to offer a complete
access solution to millions of people.
“Spinway.com’s strategy encompasses both dial-up and broadband technology
and is completely aligned with NBCi’s vision,” Robinson added.
As a result NBCi’s free Internet service offering, Disney’s Go.com Web destination remains the only popular portal that does not offer free dial-up access to its members.