ABA Family Legal Guide

Computer Law

Online Purchases

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

What about those "free" Internet offers?

A popular marketing tool among ISPs is to give would-be customers free Internet service for a limited time, such as for one month or five hundred hours, to see if they like it and want to subscribe. But beware. Many service providers will sign these customers up for service at the end of the trial period if they have not heard otherwise from them. A bill will follow, or, even worse, the customer's card will simply be charged.

Hence, before opting for this free service, you should check the provider's information about what you must do, and when, to cancel if you choose not to continue beyond the trial period, or simply ask the provider what you'll have to do. Also, you will want to find out whether the month of free service begins when you sign up for it or days later, when the service is actually established. A difference of only a few days can leave you liable to pay for a period of service if you miscalculate and use the service beyond the trial period. Finally, be aware that the number of free hours might be difficult or impossible to use within the free period.