WebProNews

TV's free. Radio's free. And, now accessing the Internet is free thanks to a growing number of free ad-based Internet access providers.

Following in the footsteps of traditional media a number of free Internet access providers are developing audiences for their products and services by giving away free access to the Internet! Supported by banner ads and micro portals the freeweb service is becoming increasingly popular.

It's a fact that you can save $20 a month using a free Internet access service provider, but you'll be making a remittance in another form.

Without your $20 a month, these services need other revenue sources. Most free Internet access providers turn to advertisers. Many will ask you for information about your buying lifestyle and buying habits so advertisers can target their messages to the right audience.

How does this affect your surfing experience? In most cases, you'll content with a mandatory banner bar. Close the bar and you'll lose your connection.

Annoying as these banner bars are, they're what keep these free services alive. At the time of the writing FreeInternet.com, Freewwweb.com and Worldspy have ceased operation or have been bought out by another provider.

What's more, you will be disconnected after a period of inactivity.

Still, there's annual savings of $240 or more - and that for most people is enough to outweigh the disadvantages. Last year, 2.5 million users took advantage of the free ISP offer, according to Jupiter Communications, and by 2003, that number is expected to exceed 10 million.

Is free Internet access following in the footsteps of TV and radio? You bet!

For more information and a list of free Internet access providers, click here!

James Martell is the Sr. Editor and Webmaster for Desktop-Publishers.com, a free stuff site featuring free ISPs, free voicemail and free long distance, click here!