Prepaid Internet access, kiosks in store for Mexico

With SSA providing technical support and NetValve USA offering marketing assistance, Personal Communications will operate the new entity of the partnership, NetValve Mexico, from corporate facilities in Mexico and Texas.

Personal Communications will distribute 1 million NetValve Mexico prepaid Internet access CDs annually through new and existing retail channels. Additionally, NetValve Mexico will work with Mexican banks to install Internet kiosks in bank lobbies and other locations to make Internet access more readily available throughout Mexico.

"Being a cash-based country, most people in Mexico are accustomed to pre-paying for everything (from basic utilities to long distance telephone services) and are reluctant to use credit cards or commit to monthly bills," said Vincent F. Hill, SSA president and CEO. "The NetValve Mexico prepaid Internet access CD is a natural and will make the Internet available to a large segment of the population that has previously been kept off of the Net."

The NetValve Mexico prepaid Internet access service comes in the form of a compact disc that is similar to a phone card in size. Using a phone connection and a PC or laptop, the "single-click" format CD connects the user to the Internet. When the user is finished surfing the Web, the CD is removed. It is designed to leave no trace within their system, hence helping to prevent profiling or activity tracking by advertising interests.

"Initially, the NetValve Mexico CD will be disposable," said Javier Capellini, PCI president. The CD will later be enabled for recharging over the Internet and through authorized retail outlets. E-Commerce capabilities are also being planned that would NetValve Mexico CD users to by products online and have the cost debited directly from the value stored on the CD."