Freei
| Type | corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | online Internet Service Provider |
| Genre | Internet Service Provider |
| Founded | December 1998 |
| Founder(s) | Robert McCausland |
| Headquarters | Federal Way, Washington United States |
| Area served | United States |
| Key people | |
| Services | Free Internet Access |
Freei (aka Freei.net, FreeInternet.com, Freei Networks Inc.) was a free Internet Service Provider from 1998-2000. In 2000, FreeInternet.com was acquired by United Online, Inc. (owner of NetZero, Juno, Classmates.com and others). In 2008, United Online re-launched FreeInternet.com as a Web site dedicated to free and discounted retail offers. In May 2009, the Freei Internet brand was revived with the launch of the freei.me free Website hosting service.
Contents |
[edit] Services
Freei provided a free alternative ISP, allowing users to anonymously log on to the internet using the Freei software and dialer. In lieu of a subscription fee, the software displayed ads on the users computer. [1]
[edit] IPO filing
Freei filed for an IPO on March 31, 2000.
[edit] Bankruptcy
On October 9, 2000, Freei filed for bankruptcy after laying off 30% of its workforce. One week later, on October 16, 2000, the rest of the workforce was laid off and the corporate headquarters in Federal Way, Washington was permanently closed. In early November of 2000, Freei's remaining assets were sold at auction.
[edit] Reincarnation of the Brand
In May 2009, the Freei Internet brand was revived with the launch of a free Web hosting provider called freei.me. The service is run by Glenn Levy, a Web hosting and Internet services industry veteran. [2]
[edit] References
- ^ Freei.Net Offers Comprehensive New Portal Featuring Services From InfoSpace.com, Business Wire, January 17, 2000
- ^ About Our Company :: freei.me, June 2009
