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Free Internet Access
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TheFreeSite.com: Free Internet access providers
Despite the flurry of stories in the media lately about the supposed decline of freebies and free services on the Web, we've found that Net users today in fact have a broader range of freebies to choose from than ever before. The one exception to this is the category of free Internet access providers.
The number of free Web access providers has declined sharply in recent years, as the industry has seen a number of players consolidate or go out of business. However, there are still a number of free ISPs in the U.S. (although most providers no longer offer free, unlimited usage). And free Net access providers continue to thrive in other countries, particularly in Europe.
We don't recommend any of these services for use as your primary Web connection, if you need solid, reliable service. Still, the free services reviewed below are handy for use as a backup service, if your primary provider experiences downtime. They also provide a convenient way for you to get online, if you're on the road.
Please send us E-mail if you find dead or expired listings, or if you're aware of any free Net access providers that we haven't listed below and we'll consider them for a listing.
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 All Free ISP
In the aftermath of the Dot Com crash, most national free Internet access providers went bust. However, there are still many free local ISPs around in the U.S. and Canada. This site offers a searchable database of free ISPs, complete with reviews and ratings. Besides free services, the site also takes a look at discount ISPs.
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Freedomlist
Are you looking for a free (or a low-cost) Internet service provider? A useful resource, Freedomlist reviews nearly 700 free and low-cost ISPs from 50 countries. Each listing includes a description of the service, as well as users' comments. The site also includes a forum about various ISP issues.
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 Free-Dial
This service offers free unlimited Internet access for people in Britain. Free-Dial features non-contended dial-up service and supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. (U.K. only).
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Free Internet
This directory is a good place to go if you're looking for a free or inexpensive Internet access provider. The site offers a searchable database of almost 400 ISPs from 50 countries.
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NetZero
NetZero offers you up to 10 hours per month of free Net access in exchange for displaying ad space in your browser. They support 56K FLEX and V90 modem standards. They provide local access numbers to most major and many medium-sized cities in the U.S. Note: to sign up for service here, scroll down the page and look for the "Free Internet Access" link. U.S. only. (For Windows).- Our visitors report a number of problems these days with NetZero, including difficulties in connecting; frequent sudden disconnects; lots of E-mail advertisements; and annoying pop-up ads.
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 Juno
One of the two major players still offering free Net access in the U.S. (along with NetZero), Juno offers service at connection speeds up to 56K. The service is advertisement-supported.- We've had a few complaints from our visitors about Juno's difficult-to-close, obtrusive ad windows.
- In recent months, it's become increasingly difficult to connect to Juno's free service during normal business hours. If you need a steady day-time Net connection, you'll have to look elsewhere for a free ISP.
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Aardvaak free Net access
Here's a free ISP for our British visitors. Aardvaak offers speedy 0845 (local rate) dial-up Internet access, with free POP3 E-mail and 25 megs of Web space. The service supports 56K and 64/128K ISDN. What's more, Aardvaak doesn't pester you with banners or popup ads. (U.K. only). Works with both Windows and Macs.
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FreeSpot Directory
This handy directory serves up an up-to-date roundup of Wi-Fi hotspot locations that offer free wireless Internet access. Most of the listings here are in the U.S., but there are also listings for locations in Canada, Europe, Asia and elsewhere.
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Net4Nowt.com
(Note: this site is occasionally inaccessible). This directory offers a good roundup of free "0845" (local call rate) Net access providers in Britain, including reviews and a comparison table. (U.K. only).
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FreeAccess
(Netherlands only). This one's for our Dutch visitors. This service offers Dutch users free Net access, with speedy 56K and ISDN connections. You only need to pay for the cost of the phone call (and local call rate access is available in almost half of the Netherlands).
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