Story By: William McGee, Sub-Editor: Lee Bullen, Agency: Newsflash
A couple has named their baby after a Swiss Internet provider after they were promised free Internet to anyone who named their child after the company.
The company, Twifi, said in a Facebook advert that it would provide free internet for 18 years to any parents who named their son “Twifius” or daughter “Twifia”.
A 30- and 35-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous, responded to the plea, naming their daughter Twifia.
The pair told local media: “We want to remain anonymous to those around us because we don’t want to justify ourselves. Because the accusation of having sold our child’s name hits us very hard. We are also a little ashamed.”
The couple, who hail from the Grisons canton, in the east of the country, will receive free internet for 18 years from the start-up company, which is based in the northern Aargau canton.
They have told local media they want to put the money they would have otherwise spent on the internet into a savings account for their daughter. They hope she will use it to learn to drive or even buy a car when she turns 18.
When the father came across the ad on Facebook, he initially thought it was a joke. However, the company confirmed it was genuine.
The couple made Twifia their daughter’s third name. They have not revealed the first two names they gave her. All three names are on the girl’s birth certificate.
The father said: “The longer I thought about it, the more unique the name became for me, and that was when the thing got its charm.”
His wife was initially hesitant, but later came round to the idea. She said: “It’s his child too. And for me, the name Twifia also stands for connection in this context. For an eternal bond!”
Twifi boss Philippe Fotsch has promised the couple he will pay for their internet, even if his company goes bust. He said: “It’s a matter of honour.”
The couple do not regret their decision. They said: “There are much worse names. And the more often we say ‘Twifia’, the heartier the name sounds!”
Fotsch has confirmed that Twifi’s offer is still open for any other new parents who wish to take it up.
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