SEE ALSO

• All Free ISP
  In the aftermath of the Dot Com crash, most national free Internet access providers went bust. However, there are still many free local ISPs around in the U.S. and Canada. This site offers a searchable database of free ISPs, complete with reviews and ratings. Besides free services, the site also takes a look at discount ISPs.
  
  
  
• Freedomlist
  Are you looking for a free (or a low-cost) Internet service provider? A useful resource, Freedomlist reviews nearly 700 free and low-cost ISPs from 50 countries. Each listing includes a description of the service, as well as users' comments. The site also includes a forum about various ISP issues.
  
  
  
• 1-2-Free ISP UK
  This service offers subscription-free Internet access for those in the United Kingdom. 1-2-Free ISP UK offers free dial-up Net access, and supports both the Windows and Mac operating systems. (U.K. only).
  
  
  
• DialUpForFree.com
  Here, you can sign up for free unlimited dial-up Internet access service. No credit card or personal information is required. Service is available for Windows and Mac computers. (U.S. only).
  
  
  
• Free Internet
  This directory is a good place to go if you're looking for a free or inexpensive Internet access provider. The site offers a searchable database of almost 400 ISPs from 50 countries.
  

Free Internet access providers

Free Internet access providers

Despite the flurry of stories in the media lately about the supposed decline of freebies and free services on the Web, we've found that Net users today in fact have a broader range of freebies to choose from than ever before. The one exception to this is the category of free Internet access providers.
The number of free Web access providers has declined sharply in recent years, as the industry has seen a number of players consolidate or go out of business. However, there are still a number of free ISPs in the U.S. (although most providers no longer offer free, unlimited usage). And free Net access providers continue to thrive in other countries, particularly in Europe.
We don't recommend any of these services for use as your primary Web connection, if you need solid, reliable service. Still, the free services reviewed below are handy for use as a backup service, if your primary provider experiences downtime. They also provide a convenient way for you to get online, if you're on the road.