NetZero From The Beginning
I remember very well when NetZero launched their first free, ad-based internet service. I was still living at home in those days, and remember my parents signed up for it immediately. It was a great service for the price — free. When the free hours every month became limited, it didn’t take long for them to switch over to Platinum. For me, that was a pretty enjoyable service. Unlimited access and the ad-banner was gone. It was perfect for the house.
Here we are nearly 10 years later. I have long since left the nest, and my parents are still using a United Online dial-up service. I was very excited when NetZero DSL was released thinking that they would switch over, but they didn’t. For their needs, dial-up is still more than adequate. When I mention that for just a few dollars a month, they could have a DSL internet connection, they just say, “no, dial-up is good enough for us.” And they’re right, for what they use the computer for, there is no point in paying extra money every month.
Although I give them a hard time for being “pre-historic”, their dial-up connection is still more than enough to do the things they do from home. Such as looking around on Craigslist or just checking e-mail. It’s a good evidence that there will still be a need for dial-up down the road. When I visit every once in a while I am able to do the basic things I need to do on their computer. Dial-up still works.
One thing is for sure. No matter what kind of connection they choose to use in the future, they will always be loyal to United Online, just as they have been in the past. It simply is one of the most innovative internet service providers out there.