Services
Unlimited* 56k v90/92 Internet Access: (been waiting for this one) 550access gets the prize here with the most creative use of the word "unlimited." I just gotta quote their web site again. "Important: ▒Unlimited Access' means unlimited numr of times a user can connect. It does not mean a user can stay on for 24 hours a day seven days a week." Apparently this should be crystal clear. The real truth is, you get 150 hours a month, which amounts to about 5 hours a day. Bottom line, if you're a lightweight Internet user who actually has a life outside of the web, this will probably do you.
Compatible with all Instant Messaging Programs: Um... what ISP isn't these days? And with only 150 hours a month, who has time to chat?
No Pop-Up Ads, Fast, Reliable Access, No hidden Costs or Fees: I'm lumping these together, because basically it's what you see is what you get. And just because they're a low-cost ISP, it doesn't mean they're going to sneak in ads, drop your connection, or charge you for "breathing fees." I do respect them for that.
Support
Free Online Support, Free Dialer to Get You Connected, Dialup Networking Support:
Despite all the fun I've been making a this little Internet Service Provider, I am very impressed with it's customer service. Lots of bigger, costlier ISP's don't provide what 550access does.
True story: doing this review, I had the darnest time finding the address and customer service number for 550access. I looked everywhere. I was getting very tempted to make them up (who wakes up one morning and says, "I think I'll take a little drive to visit my ISP today," anyway?) But, the lil' angel-me on my right shoulder got the best of me. On a whim, I decided to try their free online live support link. Within about 10 seconds I was connected with a guy named Josh, who gladly and promptly told me everything I needed to know. (and he didn't even ask me if I wanted to enter into a 10 year contract!) Very impressive.
Overview
Bottom line, 550 access has found a place in my heart. They're a trustworthy company who tells it like it is. If all I need is a way to read my email on yahoo, or occasionally do research on how on earth to potty train my 3 and a half year old, I'd go with this ISP.