Staruni to Offer Free DSL Net Access to Firms

Beverly Hills-based Staruni Corp. said it plans to launch an advertising-supported high-speed Internet access service that will be offered free to businesses located in participating office buildings. The service, to be offered in the next three to six months in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica, will use digital subscriber line technology, or DSL, which provides fast Internet service via standard copper phone lines. Staruni, which has about 4,000 Internet customers through its Cyberhotline Internet service provider, said it plans to make money through advertising on its DSL browser and through add-on services such as Web hosting and telephone service. Although the DSL service will not have a monthly fee, companies that sign up must pay for the required DSL equipment and the phone line, according to Staruni Chief Executive Bruce Stuart.