|
Price
550 Access provides an inexpensive alternative to the bigger names in the ISP marketplace. Their Regular Dial-Up plan at 56K is only $5.50/month and can be accessed through a multitude of local access numbers in most major centers in the United States. Those who are looking for a low-cost alternative to NetZero, AOL and MSN may find the plans offered by 550 Access quite attractive, as well as the absence of any contracts that need to be fulfilled. The only downside to these cost-effective plans is that 550 Access limits the amount of hours you can enjoy surfing per month. A definite problem when most other ISPs offer unlimited hours.
Trial Period
550 Access offers a great trial period in that you can enjoy their services for the first month of a plan for only 99¢. A very attractive offer considering you can cancel at any time as they have no contractual obligations.
Setup
Installation is a snap with the Regular Dial-Up plan, as there is no software that you have to download. No technical expertise is required with this plan. However, if you choose the Hi-speed accelerator plan, you will have to install the software after signing up for the service. In this case, the installation process is usually very straightforward, providing a step-by-step guide in order for you to start surfing as quickly as possible.
Access Numbers
550 Access provides its users with Nationwide Local Access Numbers. With over 9,000 numbers in total across the United States, 550 Access is ideal for anyone traveling across the country. You will rarely encounter a busy signal, and the majority of U.S. cities are covered. Unfortunately, 550 Access provides no access numbers outside of the U.S.
Tech Support
550 Access provides free online support to its customer base through e-mail or instant chat. A toll-free number is also provided for any issues you feel you need to talk to a real person about, but $5.00 per support call will be charged. Online FAQs are also available, which provide a solid support knowledge base for those who like to fix minor problems for themselves.
Computer Skills Required
With 550 Access, little or no technical knowledge is required, as there is no software to install with their Regular Dial-Up Plan. Since no software is required, set up can be done over the phone or online by filling out the Internet registration form. With the HiSpeed plan, however, there is software that must be downloaded and installed, but it is accompanied with straightforward and easy to follow instructions.
Email Addresses
With the Regular Dial-Up plan with 550 Access, you receive 1 e-mail account with 5MB storage space, and Web-based e-mail in order to keep in constant contact with others on the web. Not bad for $5.50/month. However, with their HiSpeed plan, you receive 2 e-mail accounts with 10 MB storage space each, POP access as well as Web-based e-mail.
Cancellation
At 550 Access, there are no contractual obligations that you have to abide by in order to cancel your account. Cancellation can be done at any time. All you have to do is go to their website and fill out their online form. It's that simple.
ISP Plans
550 Access Regular Dial-Up: $5.50/month
Speed: 56K
Hours: 150
Features: Free e-mail support/chat, Nationwide Internet access
550 Access
Hi Speed Dial-Up: $8.95/month
Speed: 5X Accelerated
Hours: 300
Features: Free e-mail support/chat, Nationwide Internet access
|
