Alternatives to Juno/Netzero....

[joelen]

Hey all...

On most of the computers we sell, we have been including the Netzero free internet software, as most people want some form of free internet. Aug 1, Netzero anounced that they are cutting down to only 10 Hrs free a month, and we are looking for an alternative. Juno is out, due to the 3rd party 'computation' software that installs and runs in the background-- we are assuming that Netzero is going to start this soon as well, since they have merged with Juno to form "United Online" (sounds ominous- doesn't it! )

Anyway- please post any providers that you are aware of- please give pros/cons if you use them-- we need something that is at least available in the 48 states---- access in the other 2 and Canada would be nice, but beggers can't be choosers, right?

thanks in advance....

In case you missed the info on Netzero's upcoming policy change....
<a href="http://netzero.com/about_us/20010801changes.html" target="_blank">Netzero Press Release...</a>

[KWB Teck]

Sorry to say none that I know of. Even Blue Light is going to pay status.

[MacGyver]

I found these sites which are directories of free ISP's:

<a href="http://www.freedomlist.com/" target="_blank">http://www.freedomlist.com/</a>
<a href="http://www.ispnut.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ispnut.com/</a>

These sites are filled with stories of the rise and fall of many a free ISP. The free ISP model is not a sustainable one, and even the big ones like Juno and NetZero can't make it unless they switch to some sort of paid system. You can't get something for nothing. Reference this story:

<a href="http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-201-5996204-1.html" target="_blank">http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-201-5996204-1.html</a>

How anybody can provide free DSL or even dialup and make money doing it is beyond me. I wouldn't recommend a free ISP to anybody.