Internet Basics: Free Internet Access

It’s often said that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and as we mature we find that’s true. It also applies to almost everything else, so let’s see if it applies to the internet as well. Through this article, we explore what really is availble when it comes to free Internet access.

Free ... It's Not Always ... Free

An initial search for free internet will take you to sites that claim to be free internet services. Some will say no monthly fee but will charge by the minute instead. 10-10-2000 is one such site—they say they can no longer offer free internet and charge between 1 cent and 6.5 cents per minute.

Limited and Yet Free Service

Others do offer totally free service, but you would be limited to a certain number of hours per month and would be charged by the hour for every hour you go over. These services are often available by household instead of computer, so if you have multiple computers you’re time is added together (as with many other access providers that offer free service). Although this charge is minimal—some services charge only $1 per hour—most of these services allow you to be bombarded with advertising banners and popups.

Regional Free Internet Access

Another type of free site that is a regional service for free internet access, but blocks outgoing email and access to newsgroups to prevent spammers from using their services. There is often no technical support, although some services have this available but charge upwards of $10 per call.

Mostly Free Services

Here are some of the “free” internet offerings:

Juno.com offers free access for 10 hours per month. Technical support costs $1.95 per minute. The service allows banners, and banner-free service will cost $9.95 per month (which includes free tech support).

NetZero also offers the exact same deal, although they warn you that—depending on where you live—you may be charged tolls or long distance fees on your telephone bill for accessing their service.

Copper.net is close to free—$1 gets you 600 hours of internet access over a three month period, offers webmail, tech support, and full North American access. Copper.net also offers upgraded services for small monthly fees.

If you decide to use a free internet service, make sure you know what you’re going to be charged for. In the end, there really is no such thing as a free lunch or free internet—in one way or another you will pay for your service.