Top Free ISP Providers

by William Jensen, Demand Media

You can go online for free longer in some places than in others.

Jack Hollingsworth/Photodisc/Getty Images

Relatively few free Internet Service Providers (ISPs) exist, with many of them only serving a single state or region. They typically use dial-up connections, provide no technical support and limit the number of hours that users may access their services. The availability of free ISP access depends upon your location and your telephone company's local call coverage. You may wish to utilize such providers during travel, for backup Internet access, to supplement other limited-hour ISPs or to use the Internet on an occasional basis.

Juno

Juno, which is perhaps the top free ISP in terms of public recognition, operates nationwide. According to Juno's website, the company offers a maximum of 10 free hours monthly and includes an email account. Users must establish an account and view extra advertisements. Juno also offers paid Internet access.

NetZero

Another top, no-cost provider is NetZero. Like Juno, NetZero offers a dial-up connection that is limited to 10 hours per month and includes an email account. The company requires members to view additional online ads. NetZero also offers paid dial-up and DSL services.

NoCharge

NoCharge is a free Washington-based dial-up ISP that offers access numbers in Bainbridge, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Buckley, Centralia, Graham, Hoodsport, Olympia and Seattle. According to the company's website, NoCharge provides login details anyone can use without setting up an account and does not require users to look at advertisements.

Naples Free-Net

Naples Free-Net, which is Collier County, Florida's free dial-up ISP, maintains fewer restrictions (up to four hours daily usage) than most free providers, with no ads to view. This ISP includes an email account and personal web hosting space. Users must visit the company's office in person to obtain an account. Donations are optional.

FreeDialup

FreeDialup, a free ISP with several access numbers in the northeastern U.S., requires a short registration process but does not require users to view extra ads. According to FreeDialup's website, the company does not offer email or newsgroup programs, but members can use web-based email. This ISP also prohibits the blocking of caller ID numbers used to connect the service.

FastFreeDialup

In terms of access numbers, the top California free ISP, FastFreeDialup, does not require users to register or view advertisements. The company's website indicates that it offers dial-up numbers in many different cities. Perhaps the least restrictive of the no-cost ISPs, FastFreeDialup does not set hour limits or apply many other restrictions.

References

  • Juno: Free Dial-Up Internet Access
  • NetZero: Free Dial-Up Internet Access
  • No Charge: Free Internet Access for Seattle
  • Naples Free-Net: About the Naples Free-Net
  • FreeDialup.org: Home
  • FastFreeDialup: Free Dialup Access

About the Author

William Jensen began working as a full-time freelance writer in 2007. His work has appeared on various websites. He attended Central Maine Community College for two years, studying computer technology.

Photo Credits

  • Jack Hollingsworth/Photodisc/Getty Images