Independent News & Media is stepping up its activity in the commercial Internet arena with the launch today of a classified advertising website.

The move is believed to signal Independent News & Media's bid to offer valuable content, in advance of plans to become a free Internet service provider.

Independent Communications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Independent News & Media, is believed to be looking at a range of options which would involve partnering with a telecommunications network provider.

Mr Garret Doyle, new media director with Independent News & Media, told The Irish Times: "We are looking at the possibility of becoming an ISP. We may acquire or build it ourselves. We own the content, now we need to own the subscriber base."

At the moment Independent Communications has a strong relationship with both Eircom, which provides its AudioText call minutes, and WorldCom, which supplies subsidiary SwitchCom's call card minutes.

In the longer term it is likely the group would offer the service through its own cable/MMDS network, Princes Holdings. It recently acquired Cable Management Ireland. The classified advertising site, Loadza.com, will feature a number of specialist sections, including LoadzaHouses, LoadzaJobs and LoadzaCars. Loadza.com will also act as a gateway to other Independent-owned sites.