Netcom Campaign Offers Webcertificate to New Customers

San Jose, CA-based ISP Netcom On-Line Communication Services Inc. launched a campaign offering new customers a $20 online Webcertificate that can be used to buy virtually anything, anywhere on the Internet.

The certificate is made possible by a co-marketing agreement between Netcom and C/Base, the Internet marketing company that operates Webcertificate.com.

The Webcertificate offering is part of the company’s new “No Bull Internet” advertising and marketing campaign, the largest targeted promotion in Netcom’s history. Spending was not disclosed.

The integrated campaign, which positions Netcom as the “No Bull Internet Alternative,” is aimed at Internet users in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle-Tacoma, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth markets who may be frustrated or dissatisfied with their current provider.

“We’re responding to the frustration millions of consumers have had with their ISP,” said Michael Greenbaum, Netcom senior vice president and general manager. “People are tired of fighting to get online, having to put up with unreliable connections and the support they get from their current provider. In addition, they are growing annoyed that their personal information is being sold for marketing purposes.”

“When we say ‘No Bull Internet’, it’s not just a slogan,” Greenbaum added. “Consumers will get Netcom’s fast, reliable service for a simple, flat monthly fee of $19.95. Period. It also means we respect our customers’ privacy and won’t sell their personal information to other companies.”

For customers who sign up by March 30, Netcom is offering the $20 Webcertificate, as well as 150 free hours of Internet access service during their first 30 days. Customers will receive the certificate via email after 90 days of paid service.