Scott Templeton, Phillips 66 innovation manager, says customers can surf the Internet at about 75 Circle K locations in Phoenix and Philadelphia in the first phase of the new program. The service will also offer e-mail conferencing.

Placement of the kiosks in stores was achieved through an agreement between Circle K and Global Access Alliance and Info Touch Technologies Corp., which are investing approximately $2 million in the roll-out. Phillips will receive a share of the revenue.

The kiosk technology offers Circle K opportunities for customized programs such as in-store or systemwide promotional coupons. In addition, each kiosk provider will operate a separate point-of-sale screen at the checkout counter to create ongoing media revenues. Usage fees will range from free to 20 cents per minute, based on the type of technology the customer chooses.

Templeton said store managers have been asked to monitor the kiosks in the pilot phase to determine if access charges are necessary to limit use by customers. He said research indicates the average user will spend approximately five minutes to check e-mail or to access a favorite web site.

All ZapLink kiosks allow customers to e-mail a video postcard to a friend or family member for $5. Customers also can pay their wireless and cable bills on ZapLink, with additional utilities to come in the near future.

Circle K's point-of-sale terminals have been equipped with monitors that run ads for various products and promotions. Customers who see those offers can go to ZapLink kiosks to print a coupon to take advantage of the advertised offer.

Templeton said the company could eventually install up to 500 or more of the kiosks to form a nationwide Internet access chain for convenience store customers.