Ameritech Interactive Media Services, Bell Atlantic Internet Solutions, BellSouth.net, Pacific Bell Internet Services and Southwestern Bell Internet Services will use Netscape Navigator, the market-leading Internet browser, as the default browser for their Internet access services. Together, the companies represent a potential market of 72 million consumers and businesses in 26 states, including Washington, D.C., and in 15 of the nation's 20 largest markets. ISP Select will make it easy for customers to select the five regional Bell Internet companies for Internet access services. After users enter their area code and phone number, they will be presented with a list of service providers with coverage in their particular area. ISP Select enables users to create a new account automatically with their local telephone company, directly from their computer.
Accounts are fully active at the completion of the sign-up process.
This new service is designed to meet the needs of business users wanting to establish home accounts, new customers looking to choose an ISP and users who want to establish an Internet connection. Future plans include offering the ability for ISP Select users who choose their local telephone company's Internet access service to bill their Internet fees directly to their phone bill. Netscape ISP Select also provides the local telephone companies with an easy way to market information about their services directly to potential customers. In addition, the selection of Netscape Navigator as the default browser by leading telecommunications companies such as Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell underscores the widespread appeal of Netscape software. This agreement will give millions of new and existing customers access to a service that combines leading Internet software with the quality service and support that the regional Bell companies have demonstrated they can provide.