FreeDSL.com

On Dec. 14, 2000, Normandie of Brooklyn, NY, wrote:
I joined free DSL and was told that if I contacted others and told them about free DSL I would be entitled to a free modem and free service. FreeDSL confirmed my order and told me months later that the line could not be installed because DSL is not in my neighborhood. I then contacted Verizon and they said I qualify for the service as well as American Online.

I waited a few months longer. I contacted FreeDSL and they responded that there was no service yet in my area. I went even furter. I had the line installed. And I now have DSL.

My complaint is that if they offer the service then why should they be up and running telling people they offer a service of which they could not. It's sad that companies like this exist and people are not complaining when the service comes to their area and they can't get connected as promised.

Interesting timing. We found the following release on the FreeDSL/Winfire Web site:

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 11, 2000 Winfire Inc. began providing its DSL services, including FreeDSL, today in New York, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; and St. Louis, Mo. Winfires DSL service allows residents to receive high-speed Internet access and premiere broadband content with no activation or monthly service charges.

Winfires latest market rollout helps ensure that Winfire will reach its goal of providing service in more than 40 markets across the nation by year-end 2000. Winfires DSL service has already become available in 27 markets including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Oakland, Orange County, Calif., Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Winfires DSL service offers always-on, high-speed Internet access using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology over a single dedicated telephone line, allowing users to talk on the phone while using the Internet. In most cases, DSL service is up to 50 times faster than a standard 28.8K dial-up connection, giving users the ability to access full-motion video, movies and CD-quality audio via the Internet.

Were excited about now offering service in the three largest markets in the country, said Ryan Steelberg, president of Winfire. We are confident that we will meet our goal and offer DSL service to more than 51 percent of the nation by year-end 2000.

Winfire DSL customers also receive free Web-based email and free dial-up service for Internet access while traveling, without the desktop banner advertising usually found with other free ISPs. The basic FreeDSL service is available at no monthly cost at speeds of up to 144 kbps.

To receive unlimited FreeDSL service, subscribers must first purchase a DSL modem for $199, which includes all necessary hardware, filters, software and Quick Start Activation Guide.

Winfire, known for its flagship FreeDSL service, offers several upgrade packages to its customers. Users can choose to increase speeds to 384 kbps for $19.95 per month, up to 1.54 Mbps for $34.95 per month or purchase instant increased bandwidth with one click directly from their desktop with the companys proprietary Bandwidth-on-Demand (BOD) service. BOD allows Winfire DSL customers who currently have from 144 to 384 Kbps connections, to instantly upgrade to the fastest DSL speed available, up to 1.54 Mbps. Service packages start at $4.95 for three hours of upgraded speed, $7.95 for six hours and $10.95 for 12 hours.