Web of intrigue around free internet provider

By CHRIS BARTON

Mystery surrounds the launch of a fifth free internet provider - Splash Net - in Auckland today.

The new free service provides unlimited free access and web-based e-mail similar to existing providers freenet, i4free, zfree and surf4nix, which since launching in March and April have attracted around 130,000 active users.

But spokesman Trevor Isted would not say anything about who is backing the new venture.

He said Splash Net (www.splash.net.nz) was a privately owned New Zealand company.

A company search lists Matthew Vernon Hobbs as the director and Mercury Telecommunications as the shareholder. Mr Isted said Mercury was a New Zealand-wide telecommunications company which entered the market in January.

Mercury Telecommunications shareholders include Mr Hobbs and Aucklander Mark Andrew Frater as well as Australian-based Jurgen Dros, Cary Giezekamp and Claudius and Matthias Wilms. Neither Mr Hobbs nor Mr Frater could be contacted.

Mr Isted said Splash Net would earn revenue from online advertising banners and through direct marketing sales to its subscribers.

He also confirmed the company was getting a share of interconnect payments through a "contractual relationship with a New Zealand-based telecommunications carrier." Even though Splash Net's dial-in numbers begin with a Clear number prefix, Mr Isted said he could not name the company.

* The Business Herald tested the service yesterday and was able to sign up and be surfing free within 10 minutes.