History
Orcon was founded by Seeby Woodhouse who started a small business (Orcon Group Limited) while at university, providing computer advice and support, as well as selling early model cell phones and accessories. Before long, demand led the business to expand services to include PC upgrade and repair services. The business remained focused on the local market on Auckland's North Shore. By 1996 the business had expanded its range of products and sphere of operations. It began distributing computer accessories and supplies to small business owners and home users throughout the Auckland region and to other parts of New Zealand as required.
In 1997 Orcon Group commenced as an ISP with three dial-in 33.6k modems. Through the start-up phase, it focused on the no-frills end of the market, aiming at skilled and technically minded customers, with pricing at half the price of the cheapest competition. In 2002, Orcon became a major ISP in the residential market, a new web portal was launched and marketing initiatives were taken to continue to grow the customer base that positive word of mouth had established.
On 12 June 2007, Kordia, a state-owned telecommunications company, purchased Orcon for NZ$24.3m, effectively nationalizing it. Seeby Woodhouse, an 80% stakeholder, made $19.44 million from the deal, while business partner Mark Mackay pocketed $4.86 million.
Orcon's main competitors are Telecom, TelstraClear and Vodafone.
Read more about this topic: Orcon Internet Limited
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