MSN Reviewer's Comments

MSN brings web surfing to the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in-between and is the "TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award Winner." As a standard package, MSN offers accelerated dial-up just about everywhere, but for thrill-seekers who must web surf at breakneck speeds, MSN offers high-speed DSL and cable through select partnerships.

MSN also provides customer service 24/7 in case you crash during the midnight hour. The broad service area is unmatched by the competition, as is the convenient customer service.

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Feature Set:  

MSN offers satellite, cable, DSL and their flagship product, MSN® 9 Dial-up Accelerator. This service has loads of features. Here are the highlights: junk email filters (built on patented Microsoft® SmartScreenTM Technology) MSN Pop-up Guard, automatic email virus scanning, spyware protection, MSN Encarta® Premium Encyclopedia, MSN Money Plus for finance management, MSN Photos Plus for sharing pictures online and 24/7 technical support via email and phone.

The services MSN provides are excellent and are available in most communities. Some of the luxuries not offered by MSN include remote dial-up, business plans and the ability to share one internet connection with a network of computers.

Service Area:  

MSN offers service to all 50 states in the USA, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Their dialup service is available to anyone with a landline, but they provide cable connections through a variety of providers so pricing and availability is different depending on location.

Connection Speed:  

MSN also offers high-speed services including DSL and cable if you're willing to sign up with one of their partner services. Through DSL or cable download speeds are up to 50 times faster than normal dial-up. Depending on your choice, MSN software may or may not be included with your broadband service, and you are subject to the terms of your partner provider.

Customer Service/Support:  

The MSN customer support group is available 24/7 by email or phone. This is convenient for Internet night-owls and busy college students pulling all-nighters.

Summary:  

The MSN® 9 Dial-up Accelerator costs more than most ISPs, but we felt the top-notch Internet connection, coupled with a variety of cutting-edge Microsoft® features and superb customer service were worth a few extra dollars.