Comparison of NetZero DSL to Dial-Up

NetZero's dial-up and DSL plans include multiple email accounts and access to video mail and video chat. While the free dial-up Internet plan limits Internet access to 10 hours per month, the NetZero Platinum Basic Dial-up and NetZero HiSpeed accelerated dial-up plans offer unlimited access. The accelerated dial-up service also provides an anti-virus suite powered by Norton. In addition to the security suite, NetZero's DSL plan includes 24-hour customer support, email with built-in spam and virus protection and a back-up NetZero HiSpeed dial-up account.

While basic dial-up provides connection speeds up to 56.6 Kbps, NetZero claims its accelerated service provides speeds five times faster than basic dial-up. NetZero's DSL broadband service offers speeds of up to 6Mbps. Casual Internet users may find dial-up plans an affordable option for occasional surfing and emailing, while faster speeds are better for downloading large files, streaming videos and browsing media-rich websites. Internet users who regularly use their phone line may wish to consider a DSL plan. Unlike dial-up, subscribers to a DSL plan are not required to dial one of NetZero's connection numbers. Instead, Internet is delivered through a wireless modem provide by NetZero that offers "always on" Internet access without tying up a phone line.

NetZero does not require customers to provide a credit card to purchase a dial-up or DSL plan. The company also does not conduct credit checks on their customers. Payment can be made by credit card, through telephone billing or using a checking account. Plans may be purchased online and set-up software, as well as equipment if a DSL plan was purchased, are sent directly to the subscriber for self-installation. Customers can cancel their NetZero service at any time, unless the subscriber agreed to a minimum service commitment as part of a promotion.

NetZero's limited dial-up plan is free for consumers, but the unlimited dial-up plan and the accelerated dial-up service require flat monthly fees, with the accelerated dial-up service costing slightly more. The accelerated dial-up service can be purchased at a discount with the company's prepaid plan, which requires an annual payment. NetZero's faster DSL service costs more than any of its dial-up plans.