The term 'internet address' will take on a whole new meaning next week if the tiny Oregon town of Halfway decides to change its name to Half.com in a link-up with a net company from Philadelphia.

Halfway's council will vote next Wednesday on whether to become the first town in the United States - and, almost certainly, the world - to be named after an internet company.

With a population of 360, the town nestles 40 miles (64km) southwest of Hells Canyon in eastern Oregon and relies heavily on tourism for its business.

Mayor Dick Crow is convinced the name-change will prove a winner.

"We are all really excited about what the name change to Half.com can do for Halfway, Oregon," he said.

"Being the first 'dot-com' city in America will be a lot of fun and will introduce our rustic beauty to the country."

The idea came from publicity-seeking, Philadelphia-based internet company Half.com, which is planning to launch a person-to-person e-commerce site in January.

"The agreement is a real win-win as we really believe our affiliation with Halfway will positively impact the community's economy," said company founder Joshua Kopelman.

'Dying town'

At the last council meeting 95 residents were in favour of the change with only three opposed.

Those against the idea believe it creates the impression that the town is struggling to survive when the opposite is true.

"To justify the plan, people have been saying we're a dying town, which is not the case," said David Baker, the book-keeper at the local Hells Canyon Journal.

Half.com's communications director Kristin Keyes said the deal being proposed would see Halfway renamed Half.com for the duration of the year 2000.

In return, the company is offering to build the town a website and provide funding for new enterprises, she said.