| Company | Coverage Area | Price | Additional Services |
America Online
www.aol.com
800-827-6364
Total users: 35 million
Years in Service: 7
Updated: Jan. 29, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states and "over 100" countries; extra-cost roaming available | Modem: $23.90/ unlimited or $4.95/3 hrs. ($2.50/hr. extra), $9.95/5 hrs. ($2.95/hr. extra). DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $54.95 (unlimited dial-up access adds $10) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 7
Junk mail filter: Y
Virus Scanning: N
Access: Proprietary, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: Y
Software: Win 3.1 or newer, Mac OS 8.1 or newer, required
Web server space: 84 MB |
| America Online Company Quote: "AOL provides easy-to-use, first-rate tools and features, such as industry-leading Parental Controls. Mail Controls and filters to block spam, Instant Messaging and Buddy List, music, movie trailers, news and other exclusive content, 24/7 toll-free customer support and unmatched broadband experience." |
Atlantech Online
www.atlantech.net
301-589-3060
Total users: 10,000
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 28, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Charles, Howard, Loudoun, Prince William | Modem: $19/unlimited. DSL: 608 kbps/128 kbps, $59; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $75 | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1, others $2 each
Junk mail filter: Y
Virus Scanning: N
Access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: None
Web server space: 5 MB |
| Atlantech Online Company Quote: "Maryland's largest privately-held ISP. Profitable since 1995, we specialize in Internet connectivity and data center services for business and government. Currently offering T-1 for as low as $499 per month." |
BooNet
www.boo.net
301-657-0863
Total users: 3,000
Years in Service: 6.5
Updated: Jan. 21, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, St. Mary's, Loudoun, plus Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania | Modem: $12.95/unlimited. DSL: 608 kbps/128 kbps, $55 | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1, others $2.50 each
Junk mail filter: Y (blacklists)
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 7.5 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB for $2.50 |
| BooNet Company Quote: "BooNet provides excellent personalized local Internet services to small businesses and individuals throughout the Washington Metro and Mid-Atlantic areas. We will make the Internet work for you at the reasonable price." |
Cavalier Hotwire Residential DSL
www.cavtel.com
800-683-3944
Total users: 130,000
Years in Service: 5
Updated: Jan. 29, 2003 | Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, plus Baltimore, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania/font> | Modem: $43.95/unlimited. DSL: 384 kbps each way, $59.95; 768 kbps each way, $73.95 in Virginia, $75.95 in D.C. and Maryland. All plans include local phone service, voicemail; 784 kbps DSL adds 300 min. long distance calling. | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 3
Junk mail filter: Y
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 8 a.m.-midnight; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS
Web server space: 3 MB |
| Cavalier Hotwire Company Quote: "Cavalier Telephone is a leading provider of high-speed Internet, local telephone and long-distance services for residential and business customers throughout the mid-Atlantic region. With our large presence in the D.C. area, we are able to provide a robust product offering." |
CompUSnet Internet Solutions
www.compusnet.com
301-258-9599
Total users: 3,000
Years in Service: 5
Updated: Jan. 21, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states | Modem: $19.95/unlimited. DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $54.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $59.95; 1.5 Mbps/384 kbps, $66.95 (unlimited dial-up access adds $8) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 8, others $2 each
Junk mail filter: Y (blacklists)
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support:24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: Y $3 extra w/ dial-up plans
Software: Win 95 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB |
| CompUSnet Company Quote: "CompUSnet members enjoy a very personalized service. When calling our service, they know they will get personalized friendly support. We guarantee you'll be connected when you need to. Fast connection. Excellent service. Easy to use. Superior quality. No popup ads." |
Covad
www.covad.com
800-636-3500
Total users: Not disclosed
Years in Service:5
Updated: Jan. 27, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Charles, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, plus 30 states | DSL: 384 kbps/128 kbps, $39.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $49.95; 1.5 Mbps/384 kbps, $69.95 (10 hrs. dial-up access on $49.95, $69.95 plans) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1 w/ $39.95 plan, 15 w/ others
Junk mail filter: N
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 8 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB w/ $49.95, $69.95 plans |
| Covad Company Quote: "Covad offers affordable high-speed, always-on broadband services to suit the needs of the home user. With Covad broadband you receive speeds up to 50 times faster than traditional dial-up and can access the Internet and send e-mail faster." |
CrossLink Internet Services
www.crosslink.net
888-427-6775
Total users: 15,000
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 24, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia | Modem: $19.95/unlimited. DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $59.95 (dial-up access available if DSL is down) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1, others $1 each
Junk mail filter: N
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. every day
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 8.5 or newer
Web server space: 1 MB |
| Crosslink Internet Company Quote: "Quality and reliability with no busy signals and wide area coverage throughout the Mid-Atlantic states." |
EarthLink
www.earthlink.net
800-327-8454
Total users: 4.8 million
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 21, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states and Canada. International roaming available at extra cost. | Modem: $21.95/unlimited, $26.95/unlimited. DSL: 768 kbps-1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $49.95 (20 hrs. dial-up access included). Satellite: 400 kbps/60 kbps, $69.95 (20 hrs. dial-up access included) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 8 (10 w/ $26.95 plan)
Junk mail filter: Y (Brightmail, blacklists)
Virus Scanning: N
Access: POP, IMAP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: Y
Software: Win 98 or newer, Mac OS 7.6 or newer; firewall available
Web server space: 80 MB (100 MB w/ $26.95 plan) |
| Earthlink Company Quote: "With Pop-Up Blocker, spaminator and other tools to improve and protect your Internet experience, EarthLink has received top industry awards from J.D. Power & Associates, CNET and other leaders. EarthLink has the largest high-speed footprint of any ISP." |
Galaxy Internet Services
www.gis.net
888-334-2529
Total users: Not disclosed
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 23, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Howard, St. Mary’s, Loudoun, Prince William, plus 9 states | Modem: $14.95/unlimited, $19.95/unlimited. DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $59.95 | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1 w/ dial-up, 5 w/ DSL, others $4 each
Junk mail filter: Y (blacklists)
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 7.6 or newer
Web server space: 5 MB |
| Galaxy Internet Company Quote: "Galaxy Internet Services has been a leader in low-cost, quality Internet service since we opened our doors in June 1995. We provide comprehensive Internet services, from 56-kbps dial-up service to high-speed leased lines and Web hosting." |
MSN 8
www.msn.com
800-373-3676
Total users: 9 million
Years in Service: 7
Updated: Jan. 29, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states | Modem: $21.95/ unlimited or $9.95/20 hrs. ($1.50/hr. extra). DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $49.95 (10 hrs. dial-up access included) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 9
Junk mail filter: Y (Brightmail)
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: Proprietary, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: Y
Software: Win 98 or newer, required; firewall available
Web server space: 30 MB |
| MSN Company Quote: "MSN 8 provides rich communications tools, including 'smart' junk-mail filters with Microsoft Research technology; a customizable Dashboard; online activity tracking and other parental controls; and exclusive software for managing personal finances, researching projects and editing and sharing photos." |
PatriotNet
www.patriot.net
703-797-1888
Total users: 4,000
Years in Service: 9
Updated: Jan. 27, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince William, Loudoun; extra-cost roaming available | Modem: $19.95/300 hours. DSL: 608 kbps/128 kbps, $59.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $79.95 (dial-up access available if DSL is down) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1, others $2.50 each
Junk mail filter: Y (SpamAssassin)
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, IMAP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 2-5 p.m. Sat.
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 8 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB |
| PatriotNet Company Quote: "PatriotNet has treated the residential user seriously for 9 years. Courteous, patient and friendly support always available live or via pager. See reviews on www.dslreports.com. Ask for our customer survey. A world-class provider with local, personal service!" |
Quantum Internet Services
www.qis.net
888-889-4638
Total users: 13,000
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 29, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, St. Mary's, plus rest of Maryland, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania | Modem: $14.95/unlimited, $19.95/unlimited. DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $54.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $69.95; 1.5 Mbps/384 kbps, $79.95 | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 2 w/ $14.95 plan, 4 w/ $19.95 and DSL plans, others $5 each
Junk mail filter: Y (blacklists)
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: E-mail access: POP, IMAP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 8 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB w/ $19.95 and up plans |
| Quantum Internet Company Quote: "Our customer service is what makes us special. We offer free, friendly, competent tech support for home or business." |
RadixNet
www.radix.net
301-567-9831
Total users: 5,000
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 23, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, St. Mary's, Prince William, Loudoun | Modem: $19/unlimited, $24/unlimited, $29/unlimited. DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $59 | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1 w/ dial-up, 5 w/ DSL, others $5 each
Junk mail filter: Y
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: E-mail access: POP, IMAP
Tech Support: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: None
Web server space: 10 MB w/ $24, $29 and DSL plans, or for $1/MB |
| RadixNet Company Quote: "We're local, we're still here, we actually enjoy helping customers and the stuff just works! RadixNet can handle any Internet access, from individual dial-up to large dedicated bandwidth requirements." |
Speakeasy
www.speakeasy.net
800-556-5829
Total users: Not disclosed
Years in Service: 6
Updated: Jan. 21, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states | Modem: $19.95/unlimited. DSL: 608 kbps/128 kbps, $49.95; 608 kbps/256 kbps, $59.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $59.95; 750 kbps/384 kbps, $69.95 ("plus" option w/ unlimited dial-up access, second e-mail account, 10 MB Web space adds $10) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1 (2 w/ "plus" option), others $2.95 each
Junk mail filter: Y
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, IMAP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: None
Web server space: 10 MB w/ "plus" option |
| Speakeasy Company Quote: "Speakeasy is the ISP of choice for discerning, independent-minded broadband customers who value adept customer support and demand a high-performance Internet experience, free of unnecessary rules and restrictions." |
Stickdog
www.stickdog.com
703-319-1700
Total users: 3,000
Years in Service: 5
Updated: Jan. 28, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states and Canada | Modem: $18.95/150 hrs, $24.95/150 hrs. DSL: 200 kbps/64 kbps, $44.95; 768 kbps/128 kbps, $49.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $63.95; 1.5 Mbps/384 kbps, $76.95 | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 10, others $1 each
Junk mail filter: Y (blacklists)
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: Y w/ $24.95 and DSL plans
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 7.6.1 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB |
| Stickdog Company Quote: "Stickdog offers innovative and flexible DSL, Web site, and telecommunications solutions. A local one-stop shop that can’t be beat for dependable, accountable service." |
ToadNet
www.toad.net
877-438-8623
Total users: 29,000
Years in Service: 8
Updated: Jan. 27, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, plus Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, St. Mary’s, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, plus rest of Maryland and 33 states; extra-cost roaming available | Modem: $21.95/unlimited. DSL: 384 kbps/128 kbps, $49.95; 768 kbps/128 kbps, $54.95; 608 kbps/128 kbps, $69.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $69.95 (unlimited dial-up access included) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 7
Junk mail filter: Y
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, IMAP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 8 or newer
Web server space: 10 MB |
| ToadNet Company Quote: "Region's largest independent ISP, providing Internet access and Web hosting to homes and businesses since 1995. dial-up accounts include 7 e-mail addresses, 10 MB Web space, spam filters, Web-based e-mail, domain name e-mail, 24x7 technical support and online account management!" |
US Net/Online Gateway
www.us.net
www.olg.com
800-801-0118
Total users: 14,000
Years in Service: 10
Updated: Jan. 27, 2003 | Washington and adjacent counties, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, St. Mary's, Loudoun, Prince William ($19.95 plan adds 31 states and Canada) | Modem: $14.95/unlimited, $19.95/unlimited. DSL: 384 kbps/128 kbps, $47.95; 608 kbps/128 kbps, $51.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $55.95; 1.5 Mbps/384 kbps, $74.95 (unlimited dial-up access adds $10) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 1 w/ $14.95 plan, 10 w/ $19.95 and DSL plans, others $1 each
Junk mail filter: Y (SpamAssassin)
Virus Scanning: Y
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: None
Web server space: 10 MB free w/ $19.95 and DSL plans, $3 otherwise |
| US Net/Online Gateway Company Quote: "US Net and Online Gateway offer best-in-class features at value-oriented prices, including Web mail, e-mail spam filtering, nationwide coverage and 24 hour support, all for as much as $10 per month less than other national providers." |
Verizon Online
www.verizon.net
800-567-6789
Total users: Not disclosed
Years in Service: 6
Updated: Jan. 14, 2003 | Greater Washington area, plus 48 states and Canada | Modem: $19.95/150 hrs., $22.95/ unlimited or $6.95/5 hrs. ($1.95/hr. extra).
DSL: 768 kbps/128 kbps, $49.95; 1.5 Mbps/128 kbps, $59.95; 1.5 Mbps/384 kbps, $79.95 (20 hrs. dial-up access free w/ $79.95 plan, adds $8.95 to others) | E-mail Services:
No. of accounts included: 4
Junk mail filter: Y (Brightmail)
Virus Scanning: N
Access: E-mail access: POP, Web-mail
Tech Support: 24 hrs./day; toll-free
Parental Controls: N
Software: Win 95 or newer, Mac OS 8.1-9.1
Web server space: 10 MB |
| Verizon Online Company Quote: "Verizon Online is one of the nation’s leading Internet service providers, offering a complete selection of dial-up, DSL and dedicated Internet access services for consumers and businesses." |
