Quik Internet First to Offer Prepaid Internet Access in New Zealand (4/00)

Quik Internet, the Internet service provider franchise, announced its Master franchise of New Zealand is the first Internet provider in the country to offer prepaid Internet service. Quik Internet New Zealand (NZ) has formed an exclusive agreement with Dick Smith Electronics to distribute Quik prepaid Internet products in all its outlets.

The concept of prepaid service was adopted by the cellular industry of New Zealand in 1998 and widely accepted by consumers. Monitoring cellular growth, Quik Internet recognized that the prepaid model was a perfect fit for the Internet industry. The cellular market grew from 17% i 1998 to 30% a year-end 1999, largely due to the prepaid option.

Quik Internet sought a partner in creating and distributing a prepaid Internet product based on the demand it observed in the cellular industry. The prepaid option gives consumers freedom to customize their Internet usage and gives a friendlier user environment. Customized service is Quik Internet's cornerstone and this product offering furthers its commitment.

Quik/Start Prepaid customers have the same benefits offered to traditional Quik customers. Including, unrestricted Internet surfing, unlimited personal e-mail, five e-mail addresses, free 10MB Web site hosted on Quik's IBM RS/6000 Web servers, and free personal customer service and technical support.

To provide personal customer service, Quik Internet is a Franchise operation establishing local offices independently owned and operated under the name of Quik Internet.

"Our model of Franchising local Internet providers was first proven to be successful in the US and in every country where we have opened," said Jack Reynolds, president of Quik International. "Quik NZ is an industry leading operation and we will monitor the growth of their prepaid products. With the cellular prepaid services on the rise here, it will be useful to have a prototype for prepaid Internet service."

Founded in 1996, Quik International is parent company to Quik Internet, the international franchise of Internet service providers. To date, Quik Internet franchises have been established in 175 locations throughout the United States and 19 foreign countries. Quik Internet has grown rapidly because of its unique franchise model of delivering quality Internet service with localized customer support.