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The Return of Free Internet

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?"

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  1. Seems reasonable by ntxb229 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of people don't really like ads while they're browsing the net. This actually seems like a good idea though. I think everyone can bare to have a few extra ads for 30 minutes a day while they have their coffee. It was having it on your primary internet connection that made it so unbearable for netzero, etc...