LinkAGE Online

Hong Kong Internet Service Provider LinkAGE Online has signed an agreement with Japan's Network Information Services to allow multinational Internet access and intra-Asian data traffic.

The roaming access phase of the agreement is the latest in a series of moves by Hong Kong ISPs to ally with Asian operators so subscribers can avoid IDD charges, although CompuServe and the IBM Global Network have long had automatic worldwide access for the cost of a local dial-up connection.

LinkAGE Online claims it is leader in the Internet leased line market in Hong Kong, with more than 30 per cent of the business in the territory. Chin Man, director of LinkAGE Online, said his firm was also negotiating with a company in Thailand for an access agreement.