Explorer, NETCOM to Provide Internet Access

Explorer Communication, a Simi Valley producer of computer fax-modem systems, has joined forces with a San Jose company to provide Internet access to laptop computer users.

The agreement calls for Explorer to combine its fax-modem cards with the software of the Northern California firm, NETCOM On-Line Communication Services Inc.

The deal marks a marketing departure for Explorer, which previously sold its products largely through mail-order merchants. Later this year, the Simi Valley concern will begin selling through retail stores.

“We recognize that consumer demand for the Internet is growing,” said Dan Olsen, Explorer’s director of marketing. “With the number of laptop users also growing, we have an opportunity to differentiate ourselves as a provider of Internet-ready fax-modems.”

Explorer said it chose NETCOM as a partner because the latter firm’s NetCruiser software offers nationwide accessibility to the computerized information network. The partners claim this makes it possible for most users to gain access to the Internet by making a local phone call.

NETCOM’s vice president of sales and marketing, Don Hutchison, said his company “is pleased to partner with Explorer in order to tap an important segment of the personal computer market--the mobile user.” NETCOM reports having more than 100,000 subscribers to its Internet-access service.