SafetyNet and E-Phone join forces

Monday 7th August 2000

Savoy Equities subsidiary SafetyNet has formed a strategic alliance with Internet company E-Phone. The alliance will develop the Public Access Internet Terminal (PAT) and kiosk market in New Zealand with E-Phone providing its proprietary software and management system (PATLOC), and SafetyNet installing and maintaining the network.

SafetyNet and E-Phone regard public communications as creating opportunities for populations that would otherwise be unable to afford the services. The two companies see their strategic alliance as beneficial to the future of the PAT market in New Zealand.

Drew Glucina, SafetyNet spokesperson, said "The superior reliability of E-Phone's PATLOC system combined with SafetyNet's specialisation in connectivity using both wireless and cable technologies is a dynamic foundation with which to further expand the market."

E-Phone also sees a benefit for businesses when they use the PATLOC software. "PATLOC enables businesses such as hotels to offer a PAT facility without concern that it will affect their system or require high maintenance," E-Phone spokesperson Nigel Lawry said.

SafetyNet has installed Internet-access kiosks in Caltex Star-Mart stores in Auckland and E-Phone has a network of 150 kiosks in New Zealand and Australia.

E-Phone announced on July 13th that it was partnering with NCR and Hewlett Packard to develop the PATLOC system and on July 26th announced a trial of its kiosks in BP and NZ Post shops.

Savoy Equities currently owns 70% of SafetyNet NZ.

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