Jaguar, NexTel, Sprint Sign to Advertise With NetZero

NetZero, a new, ad-backed, free-to-the user ISP, said Jaguar Motor Cars, NexTel Visa, a co-branded Visa card, and Sprint have signed on as advertisers.

Other early advertisers include Launch.com, Auction Universe and Uproar, an online gaming company.

NetZero’s patent-pending zCast software provides a targeting system that generates geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral information in real time for the delivery of ads in a window that can’t be closed.

NetZero also said new subscribers are enrolling approximately every 30 seconds.

NetZero provides free Internet access via a local dial-up account and an e- mail account for each individual user in a household, a business or at specific location, such as a school or public library. To subscribe, users must complete a profile that captures interests and demographic data. The zCast software refines the profile by monitoring online behavior.

“The response to our initial launch verifies our belief that people want free Internet access–and are willing to accept advertising to pay for it, just as they do with network TV,” said Ronald T. Burr, chief executive officer.