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The Return of Free Internet

Posted by timothy on from the probably-browser-limited dept.

valdean writes "Remember the days of ad-supported dial-up Internet access from the likes of Netzero and Altavista Free Access? Those days, and the business model that supplied them, are long gone... or perhaps not. A new effort is being explored by California-based FreeFi Networks. Last week, the company launched what will be a nationwide network of ad-supported wi-fi hotspots. Ads will appear in what FreeFi calls a "narrow, persistent band of content" across the bottom of the user's screen. To provide incentive to America's coffee shops, they'll share advertising revenues with the hosting venue. Has 'free Internet access' finally arrived?"

4 of 260 comments (clear)

  1. insulating tape by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm getting the old insulating tape ready to cover the
    ' narrow, persistent band of content" across the bottom of'
    my screen

  2. hotspots? by spankey51 · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Last week, the company launched what will be a nationwide network of ad-supported wi-fi hotspots."
    Note: All hotspots will occur exclusively at starbucks coffee shops. Considerations are underway to expand to McDonalds and Walmarts near you!

    --
    -ubuntu others as you would have others ubuntu you.
  3. Displays ads? by rookworm · · Score: 5, Funny
    The company said that the content bar does not involve adware or spyware.

    I'd like to hear their definition of adware.

    --
    The toad can't burp - and for some reason can't fart either, so it swells up and eventually explodes. --Anonymous Coward
  4. Re:Not really free by Grab · · Score: 2, Funny

    serving web pages is so darn cheap

    Tell that to the next poor sap who gets Slashdotted when he posts a story featuring his personal webpage...

    Grab.