Freeserve Losses Double As It Unveils TV Plans

Freeserve, the UK’s leading Internet Service Provider, today announced the roll-out of its new television internet portal as it reported pre-tax losses almost double those of last year. The group said the portal would be available on customised Bush televisions from 16 October, featuring selected content from Freeserve and its partners.

Pre-tax losses reached £18.8m for the sixteen week period to 19 August, compared to £8.5m for the same period last year. Turnover increased fourfold however, from £3.3m last year to £14.5m in the latest results and the group said progress would come from its unmetered access services, with the introduction of FRIACO improving customer retention (see AltaVista Blames BT For Stalling On Free Internet Service).

“As we extend the availability of unmetered access we will drive more users to our portals, reduce our churn, increase time online and generate higher e-commerce and advertising revenue,” said CEO John Pluthero.

A range of Freeserve portals and content is also being made available on ONnet, the internet TV service from ONdigital.

Freeserve: 01442 354285