Couple Offering Speed By Internet

Couple Offering Speed By Internet

An idyllic retirement has gone by the wayside for a Canterbury couple who were shocked by the slow dial-up Internet connections to their new home, and set about finding a solution.

Netherlands-born Herman Melzer and his Australian wife, Carole, moved to New Zealand two years ago in the hopes the crisp, dry winters of the Canterbury foothills would provide relief for Carole’s debilitating rheumatoid arthritis.

They purchased a historic home in North Canterbury but quickly found the rural telephone lines were not providing a sufficiently fast Internet service for them to continue overseas business interests and communications with family and friends.

After research, Mr Melzer discovered Internet-accelerating software and was determined to make it accessible to all New Zealanders. Trials showed it markedly improved downloading speeds to both rural and city Internet users.

The Melzers have set up a business to sell the software, via www.fastinternet.co.nz

“I’ve been very impressed by rural New Zealand – there are some impressive businesses being run. But they run the risk of not being able to develop further without infrastructure like good Internet connections,” Mr Melzer said.

“I can understand their frustration, and I have felt it too. Rural people are being quite neglected.”

Mr Melzer said he believed his software was a realistic solution for faster downloading for both country and city dwellers who use dial up connections. He said it was also a cheaper alternative for low-end broadband users.

Fast-Internet customers subscribe online for the software, and remain with their ISPs. Mr Melzer says most users find the accelerating software increases browsing speeds by five to 10 times, and people can take a free trial on http://www.fastinternet.co.nz

ENDS

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