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?"

Comments

Re:Return? Feh - it never left.

[Zen Punk]

I am also surfing right now on a free dial-up connection in Western Washington state called NoCharge. It's not an ad-supported thing either, just a regular PPP connection with an anonymous login. I know that they also offer service on the east coast, but I have no idea how they are able to provide this service. Anyone else familiar with this company?

Re:cross-subsidised indirectly paid-for beer

[gordo3000]

so your entire blurb is basically ramblings about the fact that money moves through the economy? thanks for that brilliant insight!!