Thumbs Up: software is stable, among the most reliable services once connected, software will dial multiple access numbers until it connects, rewards points for using service

Thumbs Down: shows advertising window

Rating:

• MyPoints Connect Overview
• User Reviews
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• Service Features
• MyPoints Website

MyPoints, which operates one of the largest rewards programs on the Internet, has recently started up their own free ISP, in partnership with 1stUp. 1stUp is the provider of free ISP services to many other companies, including AltaVista and Excite@Home.

As with the other 1stUp services, MyPoints Connect is one of the better free ISP's currently providing service. The 1stUp services have consistently provided fast download speeds, and busy signals have been generally rare.

The MyPoints service is the first that we've heard of that offers rewards points for using a free ISP. During any month you use their service at least 10 hours, you'll be rewarded with 50 MyPoints, which are redeemable for gift certificates at many retailers. Fifty points aren't worth much, about 50 cents, but the incentive puts MyPoints Connect a step ahead of the other 1stUp ISP's.

MyPoints does require a constant ad window on your screen, and they currently support only Windows PC's.