Ready-made ISPs go on sale

Quik International, the Internet service provider (ISP) franchise company, is coming to Europe.

The US company, which sells franchises to aspiring Internet entrepreneurs, is about to roll out in the UK, according to a source close to the company.

"In two years, Quik International will be in every country - literally everywhere," said the source. The company plans to be the 'McDonald's of the Internet'.

For $60,000 a prospective ISP obtains the use of the Quik brand name, an 'exclusive territory', hardware and software installation, and technical training.

David Kennedy, chief executive of the Internet Service Providers Association, hadn't heard of the ISP franchise concept but was impressed by the idea. "In principle, it's potentially a very good way of getting into the business," he said.

The company has sold around 60 franchises across the US. The International arm is developing operations in eight other countries including the UK, Russia, Guatemala and Canada.

ISP start-ups are vulnerable to collapse in markets where competition is fierce, but Quik International has so far had a spotless success rate, according to the source. "There have been no failures as yet, but then its only been going for a year," they admitted.