BROTHERS Ian and Steve Parkinson are also Internet Providers.

Freeway Internet, which is based in Heaton, Bolton, is aimed at the home computer market. Ian, aged 31, and Steve, 23, - sales manager and technical manager respectively - started operations at the beginning of July.

They started with half a dozen subscribers in the first month and the numbers have grown steadily ever since.

Ian estimates that there are somewhere between 500 and 1,000 Internet users in the Bolton area.

Freeway's business is based on providing connections for Nynex telephone customers who qualify for free local calls. This means they can "surf leisurely without keeping one eye on the meter."

Freeway Internet charge an annual subscription fee for the service, which includes easily-installed software.

Ian said: "We have talked the whole thing through with Nynex.

"They have been very good to us."

Ian and Steve, who both went to Bolton School, are the sons of Mr Bill Parkinson, chairman of Lifting Gear Hire in Atherton.

Their father spotted a business opportunity in 1970 and they hope they have now done the same.

"We are providing an opportunity for individuals to get on the Internet," Ian said.

Freeway are on:

http://www.freeway.co.uk

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