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SPECIAL REPORT
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January 26, 2000
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An ISP Sampler
COMPANY/
LAUNCH DATE | COST | NO. USERS | WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LOG ON? |
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AltaVista
Aug. 1999 | Free | 1.5 million | Customized scrolling news, weather, sports, and stock quotes. AltaVista shopping is highlighted, free e-mail, and instant messenger. Quick downloads, multiple access numbers if one dial-up number is busy |
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America Online
1989 | $21.95/mo. | 20 million | Easy-to-use e-mail has been tested by millions. Users get live chats with friends, Web access, and content galore | |
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BlueLight.com
Dec. 15, 1999 | Free | 200,000 | Customized news and shopping. Instant messaging is a plus, but you can't avoid user-specific streamed and banner ads for featured products to buy |
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Excite
Jan. 5, 2000 | Free | N/A | Quick downloads, multiple access numbers if one dial-up number is busy |
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Juno
Dec. 1999 | Free | N/A | Few bells and whistles, but the e-mail service is straightforward and easy to use, though Juno customers who pay get first priority to the network |
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| Juno | 9.95 | 550,000 | More access numbers to employ when busy signals abound. Free live customer support is available seven days a week, and users see limited ads |
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MindSpring
1994 | 19.95
(Range=6.95-26.95) | 1.3 million | No pop-up ads. New Global Roaming service lets users log on worldwide for $0.10/minute. | |
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NetZero
Oct. 1998 | Free | 3 million | E-mail isn't fancy and is hard to set up. Most aggressive approach to pleasing advertisers, registration forms are meddling and time-consuming |
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WorldSpy
Nov. 22, 1999 | Free | 100,000 | Shop and get coupons or frequent-flyer miles. No floating ad bars to avoid and 24-hour customer service |
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EDITED BY MICA SCHNEIDER
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