i used to have Freei, and when it went bankrupt, i switched to NetZero. then NetZero started charging so many cents per minute after like 10 hours a month. since i spend at least an hour a day online (it’s terrible; i know.), that would probably be more expensive than AOL. i was just wondering if anyone here knows of a truly free internet service with local or toll free access numbers for south carolina (are code 843).
Not technically what you’re looking for, but a lot of places have “wireless hot points” (something like that) wherein anyone can sit down with their laptop and surf away.
In Washington, NoCharge.com provides absolutely free internet service that never disconnects you (I’m using their service as we speak). Hell, you don’t even have to use their software. It’s the only free service I’m aware of that still exists though.
I use Access4free (apparently now MyFreeI) as my backup ISP and for traveling.
Like NetZero, it’s only free for the first ten hours each month. After that, they charge you $1 per hour, up to a monthly maximum of $10. No special software required.
You could probably use Juno in your area. It has a platinum and free internet service. It’s been prone to disconnect me though when the ad banner takes too long loading.
Another alternative is Pay as you go internet access. I saw it at Rite Aid. Costs about a dollar an hour though. It’s just a card, like a phone card, might be an 800 nbr.
Officemax has a mailstation email box for free after rebate this month & if you have or know someone with Earthlink you can get a year email access for $99 with a $100 rebate= free plus activation. Works in all 50 states I think.
For free internet I just use our local library/college.
My mom has free Juno service, but you get what you pay for. It takes about half an hour to 45 minutes to check e-mail over dialup, and forget about web browsing. Generally, what she ends up doing is going to the library for any webbing she needs to do, and either checking her Juno mail there (still slow, but not as bad) or by calling me up to ask me to check it for her (which sort of defeats any purpose in me e-mailing her).
As for “more expensive than AOL”, that shouldn’t be your basis for comparison. I can’t give specifics without knowing where you live, but most places in the U. S., you can get decent Internet service (usually better than AOL in every way) for about ten dollars a month, and last I saw prices, after the free trial hours, AOL is about twenty.
I replied to a duplicate of this thread, but somebody didn’t pay any attention when they posted to this one.
To find ISPs in your area, use this site.