MilesBuzz! - FREE DSL Internet Access & Points

I haven't seen this one posted here yet, but then again, I've not been here long and neither have I read all of the posts. The company is BDG and they are offering FREE DSL Internet Access starting this spring.

The guidlines do say, "...users may not use spam to obtain Referrals. You may not use unsolicited e-mail, usenet, message board postings, or similar correspondence (spam) to gather referrals." However, they do go on to define message board spam as - "messages sent or posted which are unrelated to the topic of discussion of the particular news group or message board."

I am thinking that the latter statement permits this posting; especially so, since they are currently offering a Dream Vacation to Cancun, Mexico to a lucky winner for redeeming points earned for referrals and time spent online. They also recently came out with a statement urging users to save their points since they are soon going to be able to redeem them for "a variety of merchandise available from our partners." I am thinking this may also include FF miles down the road.

If I am reaching, I am sorry. I will firmly tuck my tail between my legs, go put my head in the corner, and try to forget this episode. However, if you believe this offering fits the goals and objectives of this forum and you are interested in BDG's products and services, I wouldn't mind you using my referral:
http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe

Thanks.

I can't believe you beat me to it. I just logged on to post this very thing. Always a day late and a dollar short. The toolbar, banner, whatever you want to call it is very small and for some reason seems to award you points even when you're not online. I don't get this but I will not going to argue. If you'll like to start a conga line refer Bajan
Yankee first and then perhaps myself, it that doesn't get to confusing. http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?
cmd=rl&452,10045152&wf.exe

Well perhaps be a bit more than that and BY missed the original post by a bit too:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum101/HTML/000454.html

Just a word of thanks to those who used my referral - http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe - in the last few days to sign-up for the free DSL service. However, on checking my account I discovered that a number of you failed to complete the third step which is downloading and installing the "Browser Assistant." You need to complete this step to earn points in the program. And, there are several useful ways you can earn points. For example, I added the "Frequent Flyer Services" icon to my Browser Assistant and now get 10 points each each time I check my my American Airlines, Delta, United and US Airways FF accounts. Again, if anyone else is interested in FREE DSL, here is my referral:
http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe

Thanks

Btw, if it is a concern, the "browser assistant" is really very non-intrusive - less than half the size of AllAdvantage and many of the others I've seen.



[This message has been edited by BajanYankee (edited 03-26-2000).]

Just received this update from FreeDSL:

Here is some important news about your FreeDSL Status:

1. FreeDSL Service Launch

We are now beginning to roll out our FreeDSL service in selected areas. Our goal is to get all of our registered users online.


2. Initial FreeDSL Service Areas

The first service areas scheduled for FreeDSL activation are Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago. We will be adding new cities every month and will update you regularly on when to expect service in your area.


3. Free Dial-Up service

As an added benefit to our subscribers, we will be offering a free Dial-Up account, with local access numbers in your area with no banner advertising! We will notify you in the next few weeks on how to activate your free dial up service.


Click here to sign up:
http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe

Another similar company you may want to consider is iNYC, which is particularly useful for east coast FT'ers where service is ongoing.

In addition, it is FREE INCLUDING THE MODEM CONNECTIONS & SETUP ETC, with NO referrals, if you sign up for 2 years:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum101/HTML/000696.html

Interesting article today highlighting some of the key advantages of of DSL over cable.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/zd/20000419/tc/why_dsl_will_win_the_broadband-access_battle_23.html

Thanks for the info Yankee. If you hear of a similar service for Macintosh OS let us know.

Well, guess I'll go back and play with my Apples...

Update:

If you are not in the LA, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago current rollout areas for the DSL service, Free DSL is now offering a free Dial-Up account with no banner advertising through local access numbers in your area. I was upgraded this weekend and so far the service works very well. I am continuing to accrue points hopefully to redeem for FF miles one day.


Click here to sign up: http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe

Whoa!!! Somebody seems to be (re)beating a dead horse around here (well, I thought it was a nice play on words). This was first put on FT on 01-03-2000. See discussion at: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum101/HTML/000454.html

Quoting from the 1st paragraph of the above post....... "A new company called FreeDSL is promising free internet access with a DSL line starting in April of this year (2000). I learned about this from an article on internet.com.......". Well, here it is near the end of May 2000, and.......

So far all they have come up is factless hype, a sign-up list, press clippings, empty promises and now a "free 56k dialup service". I thought they were going to be in the free DSL business. An excellent tried-n-true ad-less 56k dialup can be gotten for free from www.worldspy.com (http://www.worldspy.com) and some other nice companies with good track records.

Vapor-ware companies come and go. It sounds like this one is, well, ........going. Do any of you frequent press-clipping guys have financial or other interests in this outfit?

And for those who have not had time to read the Terms and Conditions of BDG (the main company), I will quote a few nice words from their site policy re spamming:

3.2 Spamming

In addition to the activities prohibited in the AUP and in Section 5.0 below, You may not use Spam to obtain Referrals. Spamming will result in forfeiture of Your WINFIRE Points and termination of Your Account. You may not use unsolicited e-mail, usenet, message board postings, or other Spam to gather referrals. (Usenet and message board Spam are messages sent or posted which are unrelated to the topic of discussion of the particular news group or message board.) The use of Spam to promote the WINFIRE Points System has strict negative consequences to all of our users......

The full Terms and conditions can be reviewed at: http://www.freedsl.com/tos/

Well put Mr.Nice !

BTW.. I've done tons of research on the FreeDSL deals.. trust me when i say "THEY ALL HAVE A CATCH" !

First off, the service they will offer is "low-end" DSL (~100k speed), which IS 2x faster than 56k.. but not the blazing speed u would expect with DSL..

My advice.. I will be waiting for this Free DSL trend to get better organized be4 i consider signing up.

One final word of caution: If they discover u used a bulletin borad to refer people.. they will cancel ur service and ban u 4-ever (plus u will have to send back the "free" modem at ur expense! Buyer Beware !

So what have you heard, bean? Any links you can post? How about this one?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum101/HTML/000696.html

Oh boy, here we go again re vaporware products. From the nice but sparse privacy section of inyc.com on 05-22-2000 and, I quote from: http://www.inyc.com/privacy.html

........A registered user’s information may also be used to contact that user when necessary, and shared with other companies who may want to contact our users. Financial information that is collected is used to check the users' qualifications for registration and to invoice the user for iNYC’s Free DSL Services, if necessary.

Unique identifiers (such as social security numbers) are collected for use as account numbers in our record system and for other purposes, but shall always remain private at iNYC.

Demographic and profile data is also collected at through the use of our service. We use this data to tailor the registered user’s experience at our site, showing them content that advertisers or marketers think they might be interested in, and displaying the content according to their preferences. This information may be shared with advertisers on an aggregate basis.........

Now here are two (2) nice questions for the free DSL crowd (and wantabees like me:

(1) Why do I have to give them my Social Security etc? (this request ALWAYS raises a BIG flag)

(2) Does anyone know anybody getting this or any other FREE DSL service?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif AT LAST FREEDSL IN BOSTON: Now how much longer before it reaches my house??? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

Winfire Speeds National Delivery of FreeDSL with Six-city Roll Out

August 15, 2000

Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Houston, Austin and Tulsa Residents Join Network of Free High-speed Internet Users

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., August 15, 2000 - Winfire Inc. began providing its FreeDSL service in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Austin, Tulsa and Orlando today, allowing residents to receive high-speed Internet access with no activation or monthly service charges. Activating an unprecedented six cities at one time signifies the rapid spread of Winfire's DSL offerings and progress towards reaching 40 markets across the nation by year-end 2000. Winfire's DSL service has already become available in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans and Orange County, Calif. since April.

Winfire's 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.

"Compared to other DSL services that can cost between $40 and $60 per month, Winfire's services present a tremendous value to customers," said Ryan Steelberg, president and co-CEO of Winfire. "This massive roll out takes us closer to achieving our goal of enabling people nationwide to be part of the high-speed Internet community."

All Winfire DSL users 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 modem connection kit for $199, which includes all necessary hardware (including modem and filters), software and shipping costs. Customers also have the option to finance the modem connection kit in 23 monthly payments of $9.95.

Upgrade packages are available to increase speeds to 384 kbps for $19.95 per month, or up to 1.54 mbps for $34.95 per month.

http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I don't know if anyone has read deep into the fine print but there are some pretty stiff cancellation penalties on the free service. While it is free, the speed of the free service is about that of a bonded ISDN connection, speeds that come close to what you get by paying regular price to your phone company or others.... well... are about the same as what you pay your phone company or others....

I know BellSouth has no contract, term or cancellation penalty for its DSL service. Others may be similar. Just beware of the cancellation fees if you decide to use them.

TW

Yes. That's one reason why I prefer iNYC! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum101/HTML/000696.html

Update:

Last week I was invited to order my DSL modem and signup for bandwidth with Free DSL - http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe -. I did so last Friday and now I am awaiting confirmation of my service activation. Looks like we are really beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. One of the things that has made this wait worthwhile is that I've been collecting a lot of points everyday via the current 56K dial-up. Hopefully, I can redeem them one day for FF miles. Meanwhile this news from the company:

Winfire is First DSL Provider Offering Bandwidth-on-Demand Technology
Winfire's Broadband Customers Can Increase DSL Speed with One Click

Winfire Inc., provider of premier broadband content and a DSL access network, including FreeDSL, will launch its proprietary Bandwidth-on-Demand service (patent pending) by September 10, 2000. Bandwidth-on-Demand allows Winfire's DSL users to purchase instant increased bandwidth with one click, directly from their desktop.

Bandwidth-on-Demand makes it possible to enjoy enhanced broadband applications such as downloading MP3's, streaming full-motion videos and playing online games that require the highest bandwidth available.

"Winfire is committed to offering our DSL customers the latest technology that improves their overall experience on the Internet," said Chad Steelberg, chairman and co-CEO of Winfire. "Bandwidth-on-Demand is the first Winfire offering that provides users with seamless one-click access to a faster DSL connection, for a significantly lower cost, when they chose."

Winfire's Bandwidth-on-Demand is consumed on a minute-by-minute basis and purchased in three-hour time increments ranging from three to 12 hours. Users can start and stop their upgrade speed at any time. Similar to a pre-paid calling card, Winfire's technology tracks the time spent at the higher speed. This service also allows users to track the amount of remaining incremental bandwidth, in real time, directly from their desktop.

Bandwidth-on-Demand 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. After expiration, users may purchase another block of Bandwidth-on-Demand or are encouraged to permanently upgrade their service plan to one of Winfire's premium monthly packages. Upgrade packages include DSL Power, 384 kbps for $19.95 per month or DSL Premium, with up to 1.54 Mbps for $34.95 per month.

Winfire Partners with Universal Music Group to Deliver Original Music-Oriented Broadband Content

Winfire Inc., provider of premier broadband content and a DSL access network, including FreeDSL, announced a partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's largest music company, to deliver premium Internet programming developed specifically for broadband users. UMG brings Winfire users original music content and videos with behind-the-scene information from artists such as Sisqo, Eminem, Common, Hanson, Leeann Womack and others.

"Winfire is dedicated to continually offering new broadband content to our DSL consumers," said Ryan Steelberg, president and co-CEO of Winfire. "We applaud partners like UMG that are ahead of the curve in creating original music-oriented content that is tailored exclusively for consumers with high-speed access."

Winfire joins a select group of partners offering this distinctive programming from UMG, including Microsoft, Sprint, Apple and Real Networks. This agreement demonstrates UMG's initiative to become a market leader in the broadband entertainment arena. This programming gives artists and music fans an opportunity to experience music in a completely new way.

Winfire not only delivers the high-speed, always-on DSL connection that enables users to access and enjoy rich-media content, it provides access to a wide array of broadband sites such as UMG's eLabs.

"We see music as the first killer application for broadband" said Lisa Farris, SVP Marketing, UMG eLabs. "Winfire's unique DSL offering allows us to reach a significant number of broadband consumers nationwide."

The original music content provided by UMG showcases customized blocks of music video programming based on viewer's interest by genre, as well as rarely seen footage, exclusive interviews with artists and additional information, such as biographies, lyrics and hot links to allow consumers to purchase CDs through Getmusic.com. This agreement allows Winfire customers to have direct one-click access to UMG's eLab programming pilots via the Winfire toolbar, making this an ideal partnership opportunity for companies like UMG.

About UMG eLabs

eLabs is a division of UMG exclusively dedicated to exploring, developing, and evolving global business and new technology strategies. It houses an incubation group to develop new businesses internally, which can then be migrated to either existing operating units or new stand-alone divisions, Universal eLabs also includes comprehensive marketing and consumer research, advanced technology, and a business development team to support all of UMG's online businesses.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is the world's leading music company with wholly-owned record operations or licensees in 63 countries around the world. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the industry's largest global music publishing operations.

Universal Music Group consists of record labels A&M Records, Decca Record Company, Deutsche Grammophon, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Jimmy and Doug's Farmclub.com, MCA Nashville, MCA Records, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Philips, Polydor, Universal Records, and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and UM3 (outside the U.S.).

Universal Music Group is a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global entertainment and spirits and wine company.

About Winfire, Inc.

Winfire, Inc. is a provider of premier broadband content and a DSL access network to the high-demand consumer market. The company's flagship FreeDSL service delivers broadband content and high-speed Internet access utilizing DSL technology. Winfire's DSL service has already become available in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Orange County, Calif., Orlando and Tulsa. Winfire intends to roll out service in Cleveland, Fresno, Kansas City, Oakland, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose by Q4 2000.

With a mission to create the premier broadband consumer network, Winfire is playing a key role in fostering the delivery of rich-media content, including video on-demand, streaming audio, online gaming, software on-demand and IP telephony to Web users. Winfire is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. Corporate information can be found at www.winfire.com (http://www.winfire.com) or by calling (949) 442-1050; information about DSL service can be found at www.freedsl.com. (http://www.freedsl.com.)
http://i.winfire.com/s/isapiEng.dll/wf.exe?cmd=rl&507,120017635&wf.exe

Wow, A press release!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

TW

Given UMG's controversial "victory" over MP3.com, I expect to see calls for a boycott any time now.