Pay as you go phone

The drastic drop in computer prices in recent years may have put a dent in the digital divide, but for many computer users access to the Internet remains costly and by credit card only. Many new PC owners are forced to take on long-term, flat-rate ISP plans like those offered by AOL, MSN, or a local carrier. Slingshot, a relative newcomer to the ISP game, is trying to fill the gap with a prepaid plan that allows Web surfers on the wrong side of the plastic divide to kiss their expensive contracts good-bye.

Modeled after the ubiquitous prepaid phone cards, the service is designed for easy setup, and users pay according to how much time they spend online. Users can purchase a Slingshot CD-ROM at several nationwide locations, including CompUSA, Service Merchandise, and Staples ($9.95 list). Each CD-ROM buys 600 minutes of local-access usage or 200 minutes of access via a toll-free number. The software will automatically disconnect after 20 minutes of idle time.

The plan also includes a free e-mail account that is accessible from any computer. Although additional minutes are currently available only at brick-and-mortar retail locations, the company plans to begin selling additional minutes at its Web site in the near future.

The service bills users only for the actual minutes they spend online. It can also be useful for those who are meticulous about tracking their online hours.

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in PC Magazine.