NetZero, a new, ad-backed, free-to-the user
ISP, said Jaguar Motor Cars, NexTel Visa, a co-branded Visa card, and Sprint have signed on as advertisers.
Other early advertisers include Launch.com, Auction Universe and Uproar, an
online gaming company.
NetZero’s patent-pending zCast software provides a targeting system that
generates geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral information in
real time for the delivery of ads in a window that can’t be closed.
NetZero also said new subscribers are enrolling approximately every 30
seconds.
NetZero provides free Internet access via a local dial-up account and an e-
mail account for each individual user in a household, a business or at
specific location, such as a school or public library. To subscribe, users
must complete a profile that captures interests and demographic data. The
zCast software refines the profile by monitoring online behavior.
“The response to our initial launch verifies our belief that people want free
Internet access–and are willing to accept advertising to pay for it, just
as they do with network TV,” said Ronald T. Burr, chief executive officer.