Orcon Internet Limited - History

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

Famous quotes containing the word history:

    It may be well to remember that the highest level of moral aspiration recorded in history was reached by a few ancient Jews—Micah, Isaiah, and the rest—who took no count whatever of what might not happen to them after death. It is not obvious to me why the same point should not by and by be reached by the Gentiles.
    Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)

    Well, for us, in history where goodness is a rare pearl, he who was good almost takes precedence over he who was great.
    Victor Hugo (1802–1885)

    I am not a literary man.... I am a man of science, and I am interested in that branch of Anthropology which deals with the history of human speech.
    —J.A.H. (James Augustus Henry)