Amazon picks Virgin.net for homepage banner ads

welcome page is an important equity - the deal with Virgin does not
herald a rush to give over lots of webspace to advertising."

Amazon says it is in its interests to provide services that will improve
customers' shopping experiences.

Solomon Degia, Amazon's marketing manager, explains: "Amazon. co.uk is
keen to ensure that we are and remain a prime destination on the
web.

"For many customers, the ability to use and sign up to Virgin.net will
mean a much improved experience whilst using Amazon."

The ads, hosted by Amazon, click through to a custom designed
registration page on the Virgin.net website. It offers a range of
broadband products and a £10 Amazon gift voucher to those who sign
up to the service directly through Amazon.co.uk.

The deal marks the first time that Amazon has allowed a third party to
advertise on its website.

The deal is exclusive to Virgin and Amazon is stressing that it is not
an open invitation for all third parties.

Previously, it had affiliations with the Royal Bank of Scotland to
launch its Amazon.co.uk Mastercard.