ihug Accelerator Closes the Dial Up Gap
Kiwi ISP ihug has announced “Xpress Accelerator”, which will enable subscribers with 56K modems to receive web page
content at rates of up to three times faster than they can at present.
“Currently around 60 percent of households in New Zealand have internet access, but less than four percent have
broadband,” says ihug General Manager Sales and Marketing, Duncan Shand.
“This offering closes the gap between dial up and Jetstream. It uses the latest in compression technology, which will
enable consumers to enjoy a better web surfing experience.“
For an additional monthly fee of $4.95 per month, ihug dial-up subscribers will be able to download a software
application that allows them to access ihug’s Xpress Accelerator servers.
“There’s no data limit to worry about, no modem or other hardware upgrade required, no additional connection fee and no
separate line to pay for. It’s yet another instance of ihug providing an innovative and cost effective solution to local
Internet users.”
Last month ihug announced that it had signed a sale and purchase agreement to merge with ASX-listed Australian ISP,
iiNet Limited (ASX: IIN).
Under the agreement, completed 21 October 2003, iiNet purchased ihug Limited, The IP factory Limited, and the operating
assets of The Internet Group Limited, including the “ihug” brand name, for a total consideration of A$30.1 million in
cash and 23.7 million shares in iiNet.