Internet service providers Transact and FKBNet have joined forces in a move they say will improve their services to customers.

The news came in a statement posted on the Transact website by Bill Dickinson, the general manager of the FKB / Transact partnership operation. FKBNet managing director Troy Symonds will become managing director of the partnership.

Transact is part of the Igility Group of companies, while FKBNet is the residential internet service arm of Fort Knox Bermuda.

In his statement, Mr. Dickinson said: "Transact Ltd. and FKBNet have now completed a transaction which will allow our two companies to work together on all aspects of service and operations.

"This means that effective immediately, operations and services previously provided by these companies will be combined and offered by one entity.

"This is great news for both FKBNet and Transact customers as we will be able to offer increased products and services, along with exceptional customer service and support to our entire customer base."

Mr. Dickinson said customers' log-ins and service credentials would be unaffected by the change. However bills would be automatically generated by a new billing service system.

He added that no job cuts were planned as a result of the partnership.

In an interview yesterday, Mr. Dickinson said customers of St. David's-based FKBNet would benefit from the convenience of having access to Transact's customer service centre in Hamilton, located at Internet Lane in the Walkway between Front Street and Reid Street.

"Having more customers under a single purchase agreement will enable us to go out and buy more bandwidth and capacity, which means faster speeds and more services, though it's early to tell how it will play out in 2009," Mr. Dickinson said.

Transact and FKBNet had a long-standing relationship of "cordial competition", he added, and offered similar service rates.

Internet service providers face added challenges from imminent sweeping changes in telecommunications regulation and joining forces enabled the companies a better chance to survive and thrive, Mr. Dickinson said.

He said Transact had already rolled out a 4.5-meg service, which put it ahead of the competition. Customers can also continue to use the same support numbers for a time, as calls to the FKBNet help number will be re-routed to the new help desk, which will be available for all customers on 272-4357. Help desk hours are 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

"I am excited about the new, larger organisation and look forward to rolling out new products and services in 2009 and beyond," Mr. Dickinson added in the statement. "I know that Troy Symonds, whom many of you know and have dealt with, is also keen to ensure continued success with this new company as Troy and I will be working closely together to further integrate the two organisations.

"Together we will continue to be the leaders in the industry by introducing faster speeds and exceptional value, something you have come to expect."