Regional and rural pay television provider Austar and broadband delivery service
chello have signed a joint agreement
with Internet search and navigation portal LookSmart for the provision of
Internet directory and online shopping services.
Both services will be made available through Austar’s Internet service
package which will offer regional Australians the choice between Austar’s
narrowband Internet service and the high-speed broadband Internet service
offered by chello.
Subscribers will gain access to an Australian Internet directory service
and shopping environment incorporating 12 retail categories including
grocery, music/video, beauty, fashion, computers, sports, gifts and
flowers.
LookSmart Australia’s chief executive officer Tim Pethick, said the
partnership with Austar and chello broadband will deliver a richer
experience for Internet users. “This partnership is the first step in the
company’s move to deliver a search environment aimed at leveraging the
truly rich media content that will be accessible through a broadband search
solution,” he said.
chello broadband and Austar are working with LookSmart to develop
localized directories for each of the regional areas where Austar’s
Internet service is available.
“The agreement signals our ongoing commitment to the delivery of the
most relevant range of services across multiple delivery platforms,” said
Austar United Broadband managing director Dana Strong. “It provides a
timely and efficient means for Austar to further enhance its Internet
service offer.”
