![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Nationwide Internet Service Providers
![]() ![]() ![]() Most of us can get by with a dial-up connection to a local Internet service provider (ISP), but occasional or frequent travelers who need to stay connected should check out providers with nationwide access. If you're looking for a provider in your area, check out a listing called Providers Of Commercial Internet Access (http://www2.celestin.com/pocia/index.html): It's current, downloadable, and searchable by area code. Although many of the smaller local providers offer access through 1-800 numbers, the following ISPs are designed to lure you with promises of high-speed nationwide access.
![]()
![]()
OS/2 users will be interested in the IBM Internet Connection, which supports IBM's Internet Connection software. You'll find good, easy-to-use information, right down to suggested modem initialization strings for a very long list of modems and access numbers for sites around the world. The image map at the top of the page, though, is a glaring example of indecipherable graphics. We understand that the soccer ball means "sports," but that's about it. The listed links are a basic set on the usual topics, but they're a good place to get started.
UUNET is usually thought of as a giant provider to businesses and smaller ISPs. Its AlterDial service, designed for the occasional business user, is available for a flat monthly rate via a 1-800 number.
NovaLink wants to be the friendliest place in cyberspace. It certainly is the most colorful: Its cool use of HTML 3.0 means you'll probably need to get Netscape to enjoy the Novalink Web pages. The service offers 14.4-Kbps access around the world and 28.8-Kbps access via a 1-800 number. For once, a site that's fast but still has snappy, attractive graphics. Portal Information Network is based in the San Francisco Bay area but can be accessed through the CompuServe Packet Network (which covers Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico) or through SprintNet.
Concentric Research Corporation describes itself as a leading provider of private networks, and it offers some unusual services in addition to the usual Internet access. BBS Direct, for instance, connects you to a variety of bulletin board systems, without the long-distance charges. CRC also has its own information service, which includes Internet access. SuperNet provides very thorough information about its service, which is based in Colorado and offers 1-800 access nationwide. 1.5 Offering shell and SLIP access through 1-800 numbers and frame relay, Internet Express doesn't distinguish itself particularly in terms of service. The main page, however, paints Internet Express as a cyberspace city, and the information there might well woo potential inhabitants. Organized by internal links to places like the Ballpark, Airport, Mall, and Courthouse, Internet Express presents an easy-to-use hierarchical structure to the same old list of links. Still, once you work your way down through the pages, the content is thin. At the Live Theater, for example, the only link we saw was to the Les Miserables home page. Like UUNET, CERFnet is mainly a big Internet provider for resellers, but its Dial n'CERF USA service provides shell or SLIP access for individuals at only 14.4 Kbps via 1-800 numbers. The setup fee is high, though access charges vary with usage. You can sign up on-line via telnet.
Global Connect offers the usual Internet services plus Web page design and publishing services, but the modem lines still operate at 14.4 Kbps. When you click "how do I join?" you're prompted to send snail-mail or e-mail (no mailto: URL!) to get an information pack. Why can't the information be right there on the Web page?
Based in western New York, Moran Communications provides access throughout the U.S. for $2.95 an hour. It doesn't provide "obsolete" shell or SLIP accounts, though, only PPP. Since we get useful work done with our UNIX shell, this was a turn-off.
![]()
Copyright (c) 1995 Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff-Davis Publishing Company is prohibited. Internet Life and the Internet Life logo are trademarks of Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. |
![]() QUICK CLICK! Performance Systems International Netcom The Institute of Global Communications IBM Internet Connection UUNET Information Access Technologies (HoloNet) NovaLink Portal Information Network Concentric Research Corporation SuperNet Internet Express CERFnet Global Connect Moran Communications Turn Left Political Science Resources on the Web Green Parties of North America We The People The John Birch Society League of Conservation Voters Fidel For President The House Democratic Leadership The House Republican Conference |