AOL EUROPE to launch new subsciption-free Netscape On-Line service to complement AOL and Compusere brands in UK

AOL Europe, the leading pan-European Internet provider, today announced the upcoming launch of Netscape Online, its new subscription-free service. Aimed at the distinct, newly-emerging 'value' market segment, Netscape Online will complement the flagship AOL and CompuServe brands in the UK.

A joint venture of America Online, Inc. and Bertelsmann AG, the Company said Netscape Online will provide pure, high performance Internet access backed by the power of the Netscape brand. It will be the best service available to the emerging subscription-free 'value' market in the UK with unmatched community, content and features, including the popular Netscape Navigator browser and AOL Instant Messenger 2.0. The Company said that Netscape Online is scheduled to launch in mid-August.

Andreas Schmidt, President and CEO of AOL Europe said, "One of the great advantages of AOL Europe is that we are a multiple-brand company, so we can successfully match our brand offerings to all significant market segments in every country we serve. The launch of Netscape Online for the ?value' market will complement our full-featured, premium AOL brand for the mainstream, family market and CompuServe brand for the professional market. These brands collectively will have the critical mass necessary to generate substantial advertising and commerce revenues, and all will be supported by a low-cost, highly reliable and expandable infrastructure."

AOL UK Managing Director David Phillips said, "Netscape Online is well positioned to succeed because AOL Europe's multiple brands and low-cost infrastructure allow us to capitalise on all new market opportunities. The Netscape brand is virtually synonymous with the development of the Internet as a consumer medium. Netscape Online will bring the best interactive experience possible to this emerging value-oriented market segment and will fully complement the AOL and CompuServe brands in the UK."

Mr. Phillips continued, 'Subscription-free Internet access has emerged in the UK from the unique regulatory environment. These new services will be geared toward value-oriented consumers who are comfortable putting together the features and functionality of their Internet experience as an alternative to a full-service product. The free-access consumer represents a unique and different market segment - more likely to be male, younger, and single - than AOL UK's core audience, which demands a high-quality, full-featured, easy-to-use service for the whole family."

AOL Europe said that further details on Netscape Online's content, features and functionality would be available when the new service launches in mid-August.

AOL Europe
www.aol.co.uk

Original press release
www.aol.co.uk/press/releases/1999/pr990719.html

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