FRE Freeplay

RNS Number:6795T
Freeserve PLC
7 November 2000


Freeserve proprietary technology to drive e-commerce use


First Click Internet Power Pad launch in Dixons Group Stores

Freeserve, the UK's leading Internet business, today announces a European
Internet first with the launch of the Freeserve First Click Internet Power
Pad ("First Click"), an exclusive and proprietary consumer product that
provides an entirely new way to access, surf and shop the Internet.

An advanced version of the desktop mouse mat, available from today, First
Click has a number of unique functions which simplify access and use of the
Internet and the e-commerce sites offered by the Freeserve portal, including:

- buttons which, when pushed, automatically direct the user to specific
  websites or allow them to access their Freeserve dial-up account directly.
  These buttons can be customised so that users can instantly access their
  favourite websites

- changeable templates within the power pad which can be alternated to
  suit the user or groups of users, including a children's template ensuring
  parental control. The core template issued with the pad contains halls which
  include banking, health, books and software and travel sites.

- an embedded  always on  mini-browser providing immediate access
  regardless of the programme the PC is running.

- pre-programmed topics and Internet links which enable users to navigate
  the web without using a keyboard. Topics appear on the PC screen and are
  divided into popular online categories. Each category has a number of sub
  categories from which the user can select at the touch of a button.

- smart card security technology for secure online e-commerce transactions
  containing personal information, preferences, favourite sites and settings.
  The card can be used to access any PC anywhere in the world which has a
  connection to the First Click.

- free Marbles credit card in partnership with HFC Bank enabling customers
  to pay for online transactions, check their account statement and balance
  online.


A dedicated customer support website for First Click has been created at
www.firstclick.freeserve.com

Further demonstrating the unique product and distribution relationship
between Freeserve and Dixons  Group plc , the UK's leading electrical
retailer, First Click will be sold exclusively in the UK through Dixons Group
stores, which include Dixons, Currys and PC World.

Freeserve is starting the roll out of First Click with 50,000 units. These
are available with immediate effect through Dixons Group stores as a stand
alone device sold for #29.99, or bundled with PCs and other home computing
products.


John Pluthero, Chief Executive Officer of Freeserve, said:

"By simplifying access and use of the Internet and all the e-commerce sites
it has to offer, our proprietary First Click device will drive to the
Freeserve portals those users who are inhibited by technology and who might
not otherwise contemplate shopping online.

"Because we are the UK s largest Internet business with over 2 million active
users and because of our unique relationship with Dixons Group, only
Freeserve is capable of offering this ground-breaking technology. First Click
is another exclusive advantage for Freeserve customers to enjoy, and further
demonstrates how Freeserve is colonising Internet use in the UK."

For further information, please contact:

Dixons Group plc
Hamish Thompson                                         01442 354515

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Julian Walker                                           020 7638 9571
Patrick Toyne-Sewell


Notes to Editors

About Freeserve (www.freeserve.com)
Freeserve is the UK's leading portal with an integrated offering of UK-
focused content, e-commerce services and free Internet access. Freeserve has
approximately 2 million active registered accounts and in August 2000 recorded
over 186.2 million page impressions.

Freeserve was launched in September 1998 as part of the Dixons Group, Europe's
leading consumer electronics retailer. Freeserve distributes its access
software through Dixons network of over 1,000 Dixons, Currys, PC World and The
Link plus gameplay stores.

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