Free Internet Access Providers (ISPs)
In this category we feature the various free Internet access providers available. If you have one, you may take your speedy broadband connection for granted. Indeed, you may have even grown to depend upon it. So, as you can imagine, all chaos can ensue if there are technical difficulties at the ISP or with your telephone provider. Some of our readers have already had the misfortune to deal with broadband connections on the blink. Fortunately, for these "worst case" scenarios, the Internet serves up more than enough "free" Internet providers. Keeping a spare dial-up modem within easy reach will allow you to access the Net - albeit a bit slowly - even if your primary connection experiences problems. The free ISPs we review here offer free access to the Web via dial-up (and you only pay for the time you spend online via your telephone bill). If you happen to stumble across an outdated link, or an ISP below changes their policies, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it. Thanks!
Juno
This site started off as a popular free e-mail service and has since turned itself into a popular ISP. For a free, advert-supported 56K dial-up Net package, users can sign up here and also grab a free e-mail address and have access to 24 hour tech support (via e-mail or phone). Juno restricts its free package users to 10 hours of surfing per month, but on the other hand, provides a free 1GB e-mail account. (U.S. Only)
UK Linux
Users of Linux are pretty used to obtaining things for free. Here, UK Linux (the UK's only dedicated Linux ISP) are offering free dial-up access for both modem and ISDN users, with speeds up to 128kb/s. The only thing you pay for is the local telephone call rate. You'll gain many more useful features by registering here: free e-mail, USENET access, 20MB free Web space with PHP and Perl enabled. (UK Only)
Virgin Net
For quality free Internet access, there are few other services that can match Virgin's excellent connection speeds, commitment and content. You'll receive a personalised e-mail address (can use in conjunction with your favourite program such as Outlook Express or Eudora). Their tech-support is excellent but does cost at 25 pence/minute. (UK Only)
FreeUK
FreeUK offers easy sign up and access to Web page tutorials, download pages and more. All FreeUK accounts include free unlimited Internet access, unlimited e-mail addresses and unrestricted newsgroup access to over 50,000 different newsgroups. 24 hour technical support is available via telephone, and calls to this are charged at the local rate. (UK Only)