Former dial-up internet star NetZero has launched a new service in the US, offering entry-level wireless broadband to users who don’t want to be locked into a pricey long-term contract. Former dial-up internet star NetZero has launched a new service in the US, offering entry-level wireless broadband to users who don’t want to be locked […]
Former dial-up internet star NetZero has launched a new service in the US, offering entry-level wireless broadband to users who don’t want to be locked into a pricey long-term contract. Former dial-up internet star NetZero has launched a new service in the US, offering entry-level wireless broadband to users who don’t want to be locked into a pricey long-term contract.
NetZero initially rose to fame in the 1990s with its free dial-up service.
The new service will see NetZero introduce no-contracts plans for laptop and tablet computer owners in several pricing tiers.
To sign up for its “free” plan, customers pay $50 for a wireless USB card and receive up to 200 megabytes per month, enough for e-mail and Web-surfing but insufficient for video streaming.
Owners of tablets with no USB port can pay $100 for “a mobile hot spot” that allows up to eight Wi-Fi-equipped devices to connect to the Internet, and provides up to 200 MB of data per month.
Once customers go over the limit, the service will stop until the next month. Plus they’ll get messages encouraging them to switch to more expensive monthly plans.
The “free” plans will last only 12 months, at which point customers will be dropped or required to sign up for other plans – ranging from $9.95 a month for 500 MB to $49.95 for 4 gigabytes.
