Internet
Service Providers
What is Available? The Trouble With Being Free
What To Look For
Service
Providers
A free
Internet Service Provider offers many of the same services as a provider who charges for
Internet service. There are basically two different types of free Internet service
providers: those that use advertising to pay for the service and those that do not use
advertising. The most common free Internet service providers use advertisements to
generate revenue. The Internet service providers supply advertising companies with
detailed information about their users. When you register to use a free Internet service,
you have to complete a detailed questionnaire that details your demographics, areas of
interests, and shopping habits. Companies use this information to bombard you with
advertisements they think are likely to catch your attention. Internet advertising can
take several forms. One form requires registered customers to use a specific web browser
that has been modified to include links to sponsoring advertisers. Most advertisers
display banner ads that stretch across the top or bottom of the computer screen or pop-up
windows that appear when a user visits a particular web site. The banners can be moved,
but not closed, and will link to an advertiser’s web site when clicked on. The pop-up
windows can be closed, and will also link to an advertiser’s page if clicked on. Some
Internet service providers monitor the web sites users access, so it is very important to
carefully read any service and privacy agreements before signing up. Examples of free
Internet service providers using advertising include Netzero (http://www.netzero.com/),
Juno (http://www.juno.com/)
and BlueLight (http://www.bluelight.com/).
The second type of Internet service provider is much more rare, but is gaining popularity.
These services are generally offered by a specific company and provide free or discounted
Internet service to their customers as an added benefit. An example of such a service that
offers free Internet access to its customers is American Express. American Express displays a
small American Express icon on the user’s computer that is used to access American
Express services, such as online banking, brokerage services, and free Internet access
(generally limited to 35 hours per month).
Building free web access into an Internet Service Provider proposition has proven
to be a phenomenal success in terms of customer acquisition. However, this business model
is not sustainable for a number of reasons. Most free Internet service providers rely
almost exclusively on advertising for revenue. They operate on the assumption that
companies will be more than happy to spend millions of dollars to advertise their products
and services in front of specifically targeted groups. However, many Internet service
providers have been unable to turn profits on advertising alone. Recent cut backs in
advertising spending has only made matters worse. Because problems with profitability can
lead to bankruptcy, many free Internet providers, such as NetZero and Juno, are attempting to switch their customers over
from free services to discounted fee services.
There are several important factors to take into consideration when looking for a
free Internet service provider. One of the most important factors to consider is
availability. Not all free Internet service providers offer local access numbers. Users
who live in rural areas or who travel frequently and hope to be able to log on from
anywhere may find that the free access is anything but free. Some free Internet service
providers charge significant long distance rates if there is no local access number
available. Carefully research the provider’s access localities and availability
before signing on. Another factor to consider is the quality of technical support. The
better service providers will provide a toll-free phone number that users can call to
receive immediate technical assistance as well as a web-based customer support environment
featuring “Frequently Asked Questions”. The option of emailing support staff for
non-urgent questions should also be available. Speed is a concern for most Internet users.
Most Internet service providers support 56K modem dial-up. Speed is especially important
if you are considering a service provider that uses banner advertising because the
streaming advertisements use a considerable amount of bandwidth and can greatly slow down
the time it takes your computer to download information and graphics. Another factor is
sustainability. Many Internet companies are facing difficulties in turning a profit. An
Internet service provider offering free access today may not be in operation tomorrow.
Finally, some free Internet service providers offer additional free services such as
email, fax capabilities, web page hosting, and newsgroups. Many of these services are also
available individually and free of charge from other providers not in connection with your
selected free Internet service provider.
There used to be many different free Internet service providers with great
features, service, and reliability. Unfortunately, with the bankruptcy of many dot.coms,
several free Internet service providers have gone bankrupt, shut down, or switched from
free service to paid service. The free Internet service providers that remain currently
offer limited Internet access and free email. They generally limit you to 12-40 hours of
free Internet usage per month and may have slow, unreliable service. Free Internet service
providers generally support 56K modem dialup connections with nationwide access numbers.
In order to cover the costs of service, almost every free Internet service provider
displays banner advertisements on your browser while you surf. The following is a list of
remaining free Internet service providers and several low-cost discount Internet service
providers. The free Internet service provider that is best for you depends on your
specific needs. This is by no means a complete list and is not ranked in any particular
order. Visit DailyeDeals.com
for a “Free Internet Access Guide” and a “Free
ISP Comparison”. They provide updated lists of free and discount Internet
service providers, as well as a list of discontinued Internet service providers.
Netzero.com
Free Internet service for up to 10 hours per month.
Additional time costs extra. Also offers email and voicemail services. Uses banner
advertising. Provides banner-free unlimited Internet service for $9.95 per month. Largest
free Internet service provider in the world.
Juno.com
Unlimited
free Internet access. Uses banner advertising. Service without banner advertising is
available for $9.95 per month for unlimited access. Provides free email service. Charges
for technical support.
Bluelight.com
Internet
access is unlimited for $8.95 per month.
Bluefrognet.com
Unlimited
free Internet access. Charges a $25 membership fee every six months and requires users to
complete surveys and receive email advertisements. Does not use banner advertising.
Charges for technical support. Provides free email, personal web space, and newsgroups.
Available only in New York.
Address.com
Provides
users with free Internet access, email, personal web pages, and more. Service is
interrupted by “commercial breaks” that cannot be closed, but does not use
banner advertising. Premium Internet service without advertising is available for $9.95
per month.
American Express
Offered
only to American Express cardholders. Provides 35 hours of free Internet surfing.
Additional hours can be paid for. Offers additional services such as online banking and
brokerage services. (Currently not accepting new Internet users. May no longer be
available.)
Freei.net
Currently
managed by NetZero.
Once users have selected an Internet service provider, the web opens a world of
opportunities for free services and products. Long distance is one of the more popular
free services available on the Internet.
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