The price war at Internet cafes around Sydney has reached a new low, with a deal between Excite and Global Gossip to offer free Internet access at five locations throughout the city.
The deal, which is being advertised under the name 'go free' will be open to customers of Global Gossip's 5 Sydney based 'Internet Stores' who agree to fill out a marketing survey.
The alliance will see Excite advertising and branding positioned throughout Global Gossip stores and staff introducing new surfers to the personalised MyExcite service.
With only 43% of Australians having accessed the Internet, the promotion is likely to drive more people online according to Excite Australia's Marketing Manager, Joanna Finlay.
"At present only 6.4 million Australians have accessed the Internet at some point and this joint venture allows the rest of the market to have their first online experience," Finlay noted. "Excite is delighted to offer Australians free Internet access and the chance to experience excite.com.au for free."
Molly Linton Global Gossip's Marketing Manager said that the market for Internet access has changed radically over the past 18 months, so that her company needs to pursue alternative revenue strategies than just charging for Internet access.
"Until now, getting on the Internet or sending and reading emails required access to either a PC, modem and ISP or a visit to an Internet cafÃÆ'Ã,©. This is no longer the case," she said.
Global Gossip was established in early 1998 to offer public access to the Internet, it currently has 12 stores in Australia with plans to open another 15 by the end of the year.
