Free Internet Access Speeds Up

Yes, you can get 384-kbps Web access free, and yes, there is a hitch--or two.

Lincoln Spector, special to PC World

You can go to www.freedsl.com and sign up right now, but don't expect fast access this week. The actual service won't start until April.

How free will the service actually be? That depends, oddly enough, on your sales abilities. There is no setup charge and no monthly fee--at least, not if you're willing to settle for a 384-kbps connection. But you're going to have to buy or earn the required DSL modem.

To earn the modem you have to convince 10 other people to register for FreeDSL. Also, this is a limited-time offer, although at press time no date had been set to end it.

If you're lacking in the powers of persuasion, you can buy a DSL modem from the Broadband Digital Group for about $100. The exact price will vary, as there will be several models available from different manufacturers.

A one-time price of $100 is still a great deal for a DSL connection, if you can stand the advertising. Whenever you're browsing the Web or using the required FreeDSL Browser Assistant freeware, there will be a standard-sized banner ad on your screen--a different one every 30 to 45 seconds. You will not be able to close or hide it.

And yes, the ads will be targeted. You'll have to provide demographic and geographic information to sign up for FreeDSL, and the company reserves the right to demand more detailed information in the future.

FreeDSL will use this data in deciding which ads to send to which people. But in an interview for this article, company founder Ryan Steelberg promised not to sell customers personal information without their permission.

The possibility of getting high-speed access at low cost is tempting. You'll have to ask yourself whether it's worth looking at all the advertising.