FNet to Offer Flat-Rate Internet Access Service

FNet, the Internet division of Franklin Telecom of Westlake Village, has signed an exclusive agreement with Riverside-based Connect America to provide flat-rate 800-number Internet access anywhere in the United States.

“To the best of our knowledge, we are the only company in America offering this service,” said Frank Peters, president and chief executive of Franklin Telecom. “Even the mega-players like America Online and Prodigy have holes in their coverage. Until today there were still isolated pockets which they simply could not reach and service.”

The FNet agreement with Internet provider Connect America provides service to these areas in addition to better-served geographic regions.

FNet will be taking advantage of state-of-the-art optical fiber recently installed by GTE. Modem-channel bank ports and other equipment needed for the added service are being purchased from parent company Franklin Telecom.

Connect America is charging $30 per month for the 800 service.