In the evolving world of web portals, offering free internet access has become a must-have service. A notable player in this trend is FreeLane, backed by Excite, with its ISP partner being 1stUp.com. This partnership allows both companies to extend their reach and offer value-added services.
The Advertising Revenue Model
Like the TV industry, free ISPs rely on advertising revenue. While not a new concept, it’s only recently gained widespread acceptance with successful IPOs from NetZero and ongoing deals from 1stUp. These partnerships allow portals like Excite or AltaVista to offer their users free internet access while benefiting from increased visibility.
1stUp’s Strong User Base
The addition of Excite to its roster further cements 1stUp’s dominance in the portal space. With around 5.5 million registered users, it has formed partnerships with various entities, including TV stations and e-commerce sites. This broad network solidifies 1stUp’s standing as a leader in free ISPs.
The Competitive Landscape
Despite its strong lead, the competition for dominance in the free ISP space is heating up. NetZero, which doesn’t offer co-branded services, has built a national brand through its IPO success and cash reserves. Other e-commerce platforms are also exploring their options, with discussions ongoing for potential partnerships that could shape the future of this sector.
