Would like recommendations for an ISP (Internet Service Provider)...

[Porsche911NYC]

Many of you have been following my recent AOL episode (turned out to be the outside phone line), and suggested I get a real ISP.

A computer neophyte I am not, but I'm a very busy person, I don't sit in front of a computer screen all day but when I do, I need to know it's going to be there. For the most part, AOL has served that purpose.

For $23.90 a month, I have reliable unlimited usage, which is important to me.

Would love to know which ISPs other Pelicaneers (Pelicanicians?) recommend, how much you pay, is it unlimited usage, and how reliable is it?

(DSL & Cable are out of the question financially for now; my company was hurt by the WTC attack - need to be very frugal these days.)

[cegerer]

Before I went to cable, Earthlink was very reliable for me. -- Curt

[Saffs]

I think you hit the nail on the head there: AOL serves your purpose.
I'm aware of AOLs shortfalls, but I've had my AOL e-address so long, I don't want to change it. I first got it as it has access numbers everywhere in the World. Whether I was in Japan or rural Italy, there was access numbers that worked, I just had my laptop and was online, no problem. Very few other ISPs have this, if you need it. Basically, it still works for me fine, wherever I am, and I've really not had a problem with it. I notice that in the UK, as opposed to the US, it is slower though. I hate AOL's program, and use MS Entourage/Outlook for my business email - it sends and receives whilst AOL makes the Internet connection, I use AOL for my personal email.
Just my thoughts....

[jrdavid68]

Earthlink or Prodigy - both good for dial-up. In both cases, you DO NOT need to load the software interface they send you. Just get the phone number and set up a regular Dial-up networking connection.

You could also look at getting a free e-mail account so that you do not have to be ISP dependent and if you feel like switching ISPs you won't have to worry about updating folks with your new e-mail address. Our host here on Pelican offers free e-mail!

Don't rule out DSL. Right now you are paying something close to $40/month for AOL and the second/dedicated phone line. You could dump the second line and get DSL for only $10 extra per month. I'm sure you can find a way to eliminate $10 in expenses every month.

JrDavid68

[Swank911]

I am an avid fan of Earthlink. They have "merged" withe several other top quality provider to make a large (lots of resources) but personable ISP.

I went from dial up, which I could use any where in the country, to their DSL.

AOL has a great interface, but their customer service has been steadily declining as they grow.

[rcecale]

I have just recently discovered Hawk Communications. I have used them for a few months now with absolutely NO problems whatsoever. It's just your basic DUN connection...no extra software (i.e., AOL) required.

I just ran a search of their access numbers and found 4 different numbers in the NYC area codes...(212), (347) and (646).

The best part about this ISP is their pricing plan...

Month-to-Month ($9.95/month)
3 Month($8.95/month)
1 Year ($6.95/month)
2 Years ($6.49/month)

Give them a shot!

Randy