UK-based Internet Technology Group Plc has announced it is in discussions with various media and retail groups who wish to launch free ISP services. ITG declined to name the companies involved, but it is known that retailer WHSmith and Barclay’s Bank are both investigating starting such a service. The company denied that any deal would affect its Global Internet paid-for service. The market for free ISPs is booming with FreeUK and UK retailer Tesco launching free services in the wake of pioneer Dixons’ Freeserve, which signed up its millionth customer this week. The free ISPs cover costs with premium rate help-lines and by taking a share of fees paid to their telecoms partners.