The Lure of ‘Free’
In the human psyche, the allure of freebies is undeniable. For traditional ISPs that charge for their services, this poses challenges.
Trading Access for Ads: A Win-win?
Is free internet access in exchange for watching ads appealing? Big names like Excite and Yahoo! think so.
How Free ISPs Generate Revenue
Without the customary $20 subscription fee, free ISPs turn to their lifeline: advertising. They often gather user data to ensure ads are well-targeted.
Surfing Experience with a Twist
Expect a persistent ad banner when using these services. Close it and bid your connection goodbye.
TV vs Free ISPs: A Viable Model?
While broadcast TV thrives on advertising, doubts linger about the feasibility of the free ISP model. With many ISPs struggling financially, can the free model really work?
The FreeInternet.com Predicament
FreeInternet.com‘s recent Chapter 11 filing underscores the experimental nature of this business approach.
Quality of Service: What Can You Expect?
“You get what you pay for.” On testing a free ISP, the connection seemed standard, echoing this age-old adage.
The Implications for Traditional ISPs
Free ISPs aren’t just a fad. Their rise signals to traditional ISPs: Gear up for stiff competition, primarily on service quality.
Service Differentiation: The Ultimate Decider
Ads may deter some, but features like personalized home pages and bespoke services will determine who pays and who doesn’t. While NetZero skips on some offerings, others might fill that gap.
Final Thoughts: The Threat Spectrum
Free ISPs aren’t the end of the road for traditional ISPs, but dismissing them would be unwise. They’re competitors on par with any major ISP out there.
Related Articles
