Astraweb | Newsgroup Reviews Blog

Best Usenet Providers : 2013 NGR Editors Choice Awards

January 17, 2013 by NGR

It’s time to celebrate our 2013 Editor’s Choice Award winners. The honorees include some of the best known and most popular Usenet providers in the world. Those who frequent Newsgroup Reviews and our blog know that we update the awards post on a regular basis to keep up with innovations. This year we are once again extending the Editors Choice Awards to also cover the ”Best Usenet Clients” and “Best Usenet Deals“.

2013 NGR Editors Choice - Best Usenet Providers

You’ll notice that we celebrate the accomplishments of multiple newsgroup services with our Editors Choice Awards. The reason is that we enjoy a number of Usenet providers and feel each offers an advantage over the others. With criteria to include extra features, high retention & completion, performance, reliability and value.

This year UseNetServer and Newshosting went head to head for top honors. Both services are deserving of the spot. It really comes down to Usenet client. If you have a favorite and plan to use it then UseNetServer will save you a few extra dollars a year. If you’re looking for a new Usenet client then Newshosting is the best choice.

Congratulations to all of our 2013 NGR Editor’s Choice Award winners. We would like to thank each provider for their ongoing efforts in supporting the continued growth of Usenet. The list of award recipients starts with UseNetServer followed closely by Newshosting, Easynews, NewsDemon, ThunderNews and Astraweb,.

Let’s take a closer look at our 2013 NGR Editor’s Choice winners for “Best Usenet Providers“:

UseNetServer – Best Overall

UseNetServer provides an excellent mix of quality and value. Since releasing their popular $10 unlimited Usenet special the service has grown rapidly. UNS was always a staple in the industry but at $10 a month or $95.40 a year they’re really hard to pass up. In addition to value, UseNetServer offers high retention and UNS Global Search. Having a built-in Usenet search engine makes finding newsgroup content much easier.

UseNetServer offers 1,650+ days of binary retention along with two years of text posts. Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, 256-bit SSL, 20 connections, uncapped speed and 24/7 live support. Take advantage of the UNS $10/mo. and $95.40/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

Newshosting – Best Usenet Client

Expect the best performance and premium features for a value from Newshosting. Including unlimited Usenet downloads and free access to their popular Newshosting Usenet client. A very nice addition! Along with uncapped speeds and free 256-bit SSL encryption. Connect to their North American or European servers and enjoy unlimited Usenet. All for just $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year via our Newshosting NGR special.

Newshosting offers 1,650+ days of binary retention along with 1,400 days of text posts. Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, Newshosting Usenet client, 256-bit SSL, uncapped speed and 24/7 support. Take advantage of the Newshosting $9.99/mo. and $99.99/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

Easynews – Web Usenet Interface

Easynews has everything you could ask for in a Usenet service including web access. A feature that sets them apart from our other award winners. The Easynews web interface allows users to browse newsgroups and stream content without the need for a newsreader. Simply open your favorite web browser. With third party apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android mobile devices. Easynews offers 1,610 days of NNTP retention if you want to connect via newsreader. Web retention is over 200 days. Take the new web interface for a test drive.

Easynews offers web Usenet access in addition to iPhone and Android apps. Especially useful to those new to Usenet and others who would rather avoid the need for additional software. Take advantage of the Easynews 14 day free trial and $9.95 unlimited NNTP offers.

NewsDemon – Usenet + Online Storage

NewsDemon presents their customers with a package of features in addition to quality Usenet access. All unlimited NewsDemon members also receive a free registered copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 GB of free secure online storage provided through StorageNinja. All for just $9 the first month and $10 a month thereafter. NewsDemon presents subscribers with a very good balance of features and value.

NewsDemon offers 1,650+ days of binary retention along with 1,400 days of text posts. Members enjoy unlimited Usenet, 256-bit SSL, 50 connections, online storage, News Rover and 24/7 tech support. Take advantage of our NewsDemon $10 deal to save over 50% off unlimited Usenet.

ThunderNews – Usenet + News Rover

ThunderNews made our Editors Choice list in 2012 and continues to impress. With a mix of high retention, performance, reliability and free Usenet client. ThunderNews includes a free registered copy of News Rover newsreader. Customers can download the latest version of News Rover from the ThuunderNews website. NGR visitors can enjoy unlimited ThunderNews Usenet access for just $10.49 a month, a 50% savings.

ThunderNews offers 1,650+ days of binary retention and 1,265 days of text posts. Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, 256-bit SSL, 50 connections, News Rover and 24/7 support. Take advantage of our ThunderNews 50% discount and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $10.49.

Astraweb – Usenet-Only Access

Anyone who has been around Usenet the last few years has undoubtedly heard of Astraweb. A mix of high retention and value is the service’s claim to fame. Astraweb was the first major Usenet provider to drop in price to $11 a month. Since then several provider’s have lowered prices into the $10-$11 range. Even so the service remains a popular choice among Usenet fans. However it lacks the extra features of our other award winners.

Astraweb offers 1,650+ days of binary retention along with 1,095 days of text posts. Members enjoy unlimited Usenet, 256-bit SSL, 20 connections, uncapped speeds and 99% completion for $11 a month. Take advantage of the Astraweb $11/mo. and $96/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2013 Editor’s Choice Awards for the best Usenet providers. Please help us recognize and congratulate the winners for their accomplishments. We look forward to the year ahead.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Awards, NewsDemon, Newshosting, ThunderNews, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: Best newsgroups, Best Usenet providers, NGR Editors Choice Awards, Top 10 Usenet providers

Usenet Provider Deals : Best Unlimited Usenet Specials

January 1, 2013 by NGR

Why overpay for Usenet access when leading Usenet providers offer lifetime deals on unlimited Usenet access for under $10 a month. If you’re paying more for Usenet you’ll definitely want to check out these specials from leading Usenet providers including UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon, Astraweb and Easynews. We’d like to thank each newsgroup service for offering our Newsgroup Reviews (NGR) visitors special discounts. All of the deals listed below are recurring so enjoy the savings for the life of your account.

UseNetServer – Unlimited Usenet + Search for $10/mo. or $95/yr.

The UseNetServer (UNS) $10 a month and $95 yearly Usenet specials are both excellent values. Especially for a top tier provider like UNS. The service offers unlimited Usenet downloads and uncapped speeds (with 20 connections), 99% completion rate, free SSL and news servers located in the US and Europe. Along with free Usenet search (UNS Global Search). All for just $10 a month or $95 a year for our visitors. Visit our NGR UseNetServer special and enjoy the savings!

Newshosting – Unlimited Usenet for $9.99/mo. or $99/yr.

Newshosting NGR special marks their lowest price ever. With Newshoting offering unlimited Usenet access + newsreader for $9.99 a month or $99 a year. Expect the best from Newshosting. From unlimited Usenet downloads and uncapped speeds, Newshosting Usenet client, 99% completion, 256-bit SSL and server farms in the US and Europe. All for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year for our visitors. Visit our NGR Newshosting special and start downloading in minutes!

NewsDemon – Unlimited Usenet + Online Storage for $10

The NewsDemon Demon Deal includes unlimited Usenet access plus a free copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 GB of online storage for $10 a month. NewsDemon offers unlimited Usenet downloads and uncapped speeds (with 50 connections), 99% completion rate, free SSL and news servers located in the US and Europe. Along with a free Usenet client and online storage. All for just $9.99 a month for our visitors. Visit our NGR NewsDemon special page for more details.

Easynews – Unlimited NNTP Usenet Access for $9.95

The Easynews NGR special includes $9.95 unlimited Usenet access. Easynews is best known for their web interface. Yet they also offer one of the best NNTP Usenet server platforms. From unlimited Usenet downloads and uncapped speeds (with 20 connections), 99% completion, 256-bit SSL and server farms in the US and Europe. All for just $9.95 a month for our visitors. Sign up via our NGR Easynews special page and also enjoy two weeks of free web interface access.

ThunderNews – Unlimited Usenet for $10.49/mo.

The ThunderNews special is a good value. New members can enjoy unlimited Usenet downloads and uncapped speeds (with 50 connections), free copy of News Rover, 99% completion, 256-bit SSL encryption and news servers in the US and Europe. All for just $10.49 a month for our visitors. In addition to more offers. Visit either our NGR ThunderNews special page to sign up.

Astraweb – Unlimited Usenet for $11/mo. or $96/yr.

The Astraweb $11 special started the industry’s focus on value a couple years ago. Astraweb continues to offer unlimited Usenet access for $11 a month or $96 a year. Enjoy unlimited Usenet downloads and uncapped speeds (with 20 connections), 99% completion, free 256-bit SSL encryption and news servers in the US and Europe. All for just $11 a month or $96 a year for our visitors. Visit either their $11 monthly or $96 annual special pages to sign up.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, NewsDemon, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: Usenet coupons, Usenet deals, Usenet discounts, Usenet specials

Black Friday Usenet Specials : 2012 Holiday Deals

November 23, 2012 by NGR

Nov. 25 update – most of the Black Friday deals have come and gone for this year. There are still a few Thundernews offers active through Cyber Monday and holiday specials. Here are some of our favorites:

ThunderNews: specials on unlimited Usenet and VPN access:
- Unlimited Usenet + OctaneVPN – $11.99 a month
- 500 GB block – $29.99
- 200 GB block – $11.99
- 100 GB block – $5.99
UseNetServer – unlimited Usenet for $10 a month or $95 a year
Newshosting – unlimited Usenet for $9.99 a month or $99 a year
NewsDemon – unlimited Usenet with online storage for $10 a month
Easynews – unlimited NNTP Usenet access for $9.95 a month

Nov. 22 update – we’ll be dropping all the Black Friday deals into a list as the details become available. Some won’t be known until they launch but we’ll do our best to get you as many previews as possible. So let’s get started. Come back throughout the day for updates. Please help us spread the word to show appreciation to all the providers participating this year. Links to each special will be available once the deals go live.

NewsDemon – mystery deals start at 8:00 am
ThunderNews: specials on unlimited Usenet and VPN access
- Unlimited Usenet + OctaneVPN – $12.99 a month
- Unlimited Usenet – from $5 a month
- 500 GB block – $29.99
- 200 GB block – $11.99
- 100 GB block – $5.99
NewsgroupDirect – Unlimited Usenet + 30 GB of online storage for $7 a month
theCubeNet: specials on unlimited, metered and block accounts
- 100 GB block – $5.49 one time
- 125 GB a month – $5.49 a month
- Unlimited Usenet for $6.99 a month
- Plus several more offers
UseNetNow: unlimited accounts for $8.99 a month (limited to the first 400 sign ups)
- After Black Friday they will offer 6 months of access for $48 til year end
- Black Friday deal goes live Friday at midnight
Frugal Usenet: unlimited accounts for $3.99 a month (limited to the first 400 sign ups)
- After Black Friday they will offer 12 months of access for $40 til year end
- Black Friday deal goes live Friday at midnight
BlockNews: 200 GB block accounts for $13.99 through the end of the year
- Holiday block deal goes live Friday at midnight
More deals to come!

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It’s almost time to launch the 2012 Black Friday Usenet deals again this year. Last time around was a lot of fun and we plan to cover all the Thanksgiving / Black Friday / Holiday newsgroup specials right here again this year. Enjoy some of the best deals of 2012 courtesy of top Usenet providers. We’ll have some great holiday specials along with a few surprises. Make sure to keep an eye on this post as we will begin to drop in the Black Friday deals Thanksgiving night. From what we’ve heard so far this year will be fun as always.

We will start from the top and cover the top 10 Black Friday / Holiday Usenet deals of 2012. Like most merchants, a number of Usenet providers like to keep their Black Friday promotions secret until they launch. The details for some will start to materialize close to Thanksgiving Day. No worries though as we plan to carry all the promotions. Our list of deals will be updated as Black Friday draws closer so please check back for the best deals of 2012. Click on any provider below or visit the Newsgroup Reviews home page for more info.

1. UseNetServer – $10 unlimited Usenet access for life

UNS offers high retention, free SSL and Usenet search for $10 a month or $95 a year. All included with 20 connections and unlimited newsgroup downloads. Read our UNS review to learn more about the service.

2. Newshosting – $9.99 unlimited Usenet access for life

Newshosting is offering unlimited Usenet downloads, a free newsreader with built-in search, 30 connections and SSL for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year. Read our Newshosting review for details.

3. NewsDemon – $9.99 unlimited Usenet for life

NewsDemon offers unlimited newsgroup access along with a newsreader, 30 GB of online storage, SSL and 50 connections for just $9.99 a month. Read our NewsDemon review to learn more.

4. Easynews – $9.95 unlimited Usenet for life

Easynews is offering unlimited NNTP Usenet access along with 1,500 days of binary retention and 20 SSL connections for just $9.95 a month. Read our Easynews review to learn more.

5. ThunderNews – $10.49 unlimited Usenet for life

ThunderNews includes unlimited Usenet access with secure (SSL) encryption, 50 connections and a free newsreader for $10.49 a month. Read our ThunderNews review to learn more.

6. Astraweb – $11 unlimited Usenet access for life

The deal that started it all. Astraweb is still offering $11 a month / $96 a year unlimited Usenet access with 20 connections, SSL and high binary retention. Read our Astraweb review for more details.

7. Ngroups – $9.99 unlimited Usenet access

Ngroups NGR special includes unlimited Usenet access with 20 SSL connections and free unlimited Livedrive online storage for just $9.99 a month. Read our Ngroups review for more details.

8. NewsgroupDirect – $16 unlimited Usenet + storage

NewsgroupDirect is offering unlimited newsgroup downloads along with 50 connections, secure SSL encryption and online storage for $16 a month. Read our NewsgroupDirect review to learn more.

9. MaximumUsenet – $9.99 unlimited Usenet access

MaximumUsenet offers NGR visitors unlimited access to newsgroups along with free SSL encryption and 50 connections. for just $9.99 a month. Read our Maximum Usenet review for more details.

10. UseNetNow – $10.39 unlimited Usenet access

UseNetNow offers NGR visitors unlimited Usenet downloads along with free SSL encryption and 50 connections. for just $10.39 a month. Read our UseNetNow review for more details.

A sincere thank you to all the Usenet providers offering holiday specials. We appreciate your efforts and consideration in making the deals available. To our NGR visitors we hope you enjoy the Black Friday / holiday Usenet deals. Save some money and enjoy the best premium newsgroup access!

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, MaximumUsenet, NewsDemon, NewsgroupDirect, Newshosting, Ngroups, ThunderNews, Usenet Providers, UseNetNow, UseNetServer Tagged With: Black Friday newsgroup deals, Black Friday Usenet deals, Black Friday Usenet specials, Holiday newsgroup deals, Holiday Usenet deals, Holiday Usenet specials

Astraweb Automates DMCA Process

October 10, 2012 by NGR

DMCA isn’t your average discussion topic for Usenet providers in a public forum. That’s why we were surprised to read a post in the Newsbin forum from an Astraweb representative speaking directly about their strategy on DMCA notices. Noting that Astraweb has automated their process for handling DMCA requests.

First let’s take a really quick look at what the DMCA is and how it works. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows copyright holders to request that service providers remove copyrighted content. Since most large Usenet providers have servers in the U. S. they must accept valid DMCA requests and remove posts or face strong penalties. Astraweb has news servers located in the U. S. and therefore must react to DMCA requests.

Let’s dive right into the topic of discussion which is Astraweb’s choice to automate DMCA requests. Rather than having a person review and make the decision as to whether or not a takedown notice is valid. Here’s what the rep from Astraweb had to say in the Newsbin forum:

- DMCA’s: it’s a given. We receive, we process! No debates! End of story! If we want to continue to operate as a business, we have to comply or get shut down.
- We do not have 24/7 staff dedicated to handling DMCA. We have an automated process. Nearly everything about USENET is an automated process, and DMCA notification processing is just another automated process. Why is it so difficult for people to imagine that there could be an automated process instead of a manned process?
- We’ve always processed DMCA notifications that we received. We didn’t receive as many takedown notifications back then as we do now. We’ve been asked; What’s changed, and why do some other providers receive less than us? Time is what has changed things.

The Astraweb rep covers some other topics as well. You can read his full post on the Newsbin forum for all the details. For now let’s take a look at each statement above:

- DMCA’s: it’s a given. We receive, we process! No debates! End of story! If we want to continue to operate as a business, we have to comply or get shut down.

While members might not be thrilled that Astraweb has to abide by the DMCA they are in the same boat as many other companies. What appears to set them apart is their means of processing the requests. Instead of reviewing them for accuracy they run them through an automated system. To be fair we understand the number of requests have gone through the roof. As you can see from the screenshot at the end of this post.

- We do not have 24/7 staff dedicated to handling DMCA. We have an automated process. Nearly everything about USENET is an automated process, and DMCA notification processing is just another automated process. Why is it so difficult for people to imagine that there could be an automated process instead of a manned process?

The concern is that automated processes are flawed. They don’t allow a human to review the requests to make sure their valid. Errors happen more than you might think. Here’s a recent example where Google processed a DMCA request from Microsoft that cut out search results from sites like Wikipedia and the BBC.

- We’ve always processed DMCA notifications that we received. We didn’t receive as many takedown notifications back then as we do now. We’ve been asked; What’s changed, and why do some other providers receive less than us? Time is what has changed things.

Astraweb is far from an unknown. Having become a very popular Usenet service over the years. While some might have thought they were outside the DMCA spectrum that just isn’t the case. Anyone with news servers in the U. S. must comply with the requests. Astraweb’s growth has just made them a larger target.

What are your thoughts on Astraweb automating the DMCA process? You can join the discussion on the Newsbin forum or over at DSL Reports. We’ll end with a screenshot that shows just how hard some are working to generate an overwhelming number of DMCA requests.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: Astraweb DMCA

Usenet Providers Pass 1,500 Days of Binary Retention

September 21, 2012 by NGR

Several Usenet providers will be celebrating a new milestone this week. As UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon, Astraweb, ThunderNews and more pass 1,500 days of binary retention. We join other Usenet fans in celebrating the industry leaders that continue to grow retention and innovate their services. Remember that not so long ago we were discussing retention in terms of days. Now we’re over four years of binary retention and growing. You can enjoy unlimited Usenet access with free extras for just $10 a month.

We now have access to over four years years of binary Usenet posts. At 1,500 days you can access newsgroup posts from over 4 years ago. As 1,500 days ago was August of 2008. Back then the highest retention to be found was 240 days, which works out to around 8 months. Now we can all explore over 49 months of Usenet posts for a fraction of the 2008 price of new server access.

The quality offered by leading Usenet providers has also progressed since 2008. Back then providers offered unlimited Usenet for $20-$30 a month. Fast forward to 2012 and the price is half that much. Not only has the cost dropped significantly. The services have brought many innovations. Including better performance and additional features like newsreaders, search engines and online storage. All for under $10 a month.

We look forward to celebrating again in 100 days as Usenet hits 1,600 days of binary retention. That mark will be surpassed around the end of the year. Until then continue enjoying the best Usenet has to offer. Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Giganews, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: 1500 days binary retention

Usenet Celebrates 1,400 Days Binary Retention

June 15, 2012 by NGR

This week several of our favorite Usenet providers are crossing 1,400 days of binary retention. As services including UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and Astraweb cross 1,400 days and continue to grow daily. We celebrate the continued increase of retention and other innovations helping Usenet grow. Just a few years ago we were discussing retention in terms of days. Now we’re nearing four years of binary retention!

Usenet fans now have access to over three and a half years of binary newsgroup posts. At 1,400 days you can access newsgroup posts from 3 years and 10 months ago. As 1,400 days ago was August of 2008. Back then the highest retention to be found was 240 days, which works out to around 8 months. Now we can all explore over 46 months of Usenet posts for a fraction of the 2008 price of newsgroup access.

The quality and value offered by Usenet providers has also progressed since 2008. Back then services offered unlimited Usenet for $20-$30 a month. Fast forward to 2012 and the price is half that much. Not only has the price dropped significantly. Users now enjoy free extras. Including faster speeds and additional features like newsreaders, Usenet search and online storage. All for under $10 a month.

We look forward to celebrating again in 100 days as Usenet hits 1,500 days of binary retention. Surpassing 4 years of retention in the meantime. Until then continue enjoying the best Usenet has to offer. Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Astraweb, NewsDemon, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: 1400 days binary retention, Usenet 1400 days

Maximizing Astraweb Download Speeds

April 12, 2012 by NGR

Earlier this week we heard from Astraweb members who were experiencing slow download speeds. At first we referred them to the Astraweb speed troubleshooter and Astraweb tech support since a number of factors can cause slower than normal download speeds. After reading some helpful tips on Nzbmatrix and doing some testing of our own we found that splitting connections between news servers can help maximize performance.

In a moment we’ll share some newsreader configuration tips that might help when slow downs occur. First we’d like to mention that Astraweb performance is normally good. We’ve been using the service for years and on rare occasions we’ve experienced slow download speeds. In those cases performance typically returns to normal within a few hours. So rather than recommend alternatives we’re suggesting a workaround.

If you’re experiecing slow download speeds with Astraweb and have already taken the steps in their speed troubleshooter or know the issue isn’t on your end then try splitting your connections between Astraweb news servers. We’ll give examples for both standard and SSL encrypted connections.

Astraweb has news servers in the US and Europe. To maximize download speeds during times of slow performance we suggest you setup two servers and split your connections between them.

Here is the Astraweb news server info:

Secure (SSL encrypted):
- ssl-us.astraweb.com (U.S. servers)
- ssl-eu.astraweb.com (European servers)
- using port 443 or 563 (we recommend port 443)
- set each server to use 10 connections

Standard (non-SSL):
- us.news.astraweb.com (U.S. servers)
- eu.news.astraweb.com (European servers)
- using port 119, 23, 1818 or 8080
- set each server to use 10 connections

Not to confuse anyone. Setting up two Astraweb servers is the same process you would take to setup news servers for two different Usenet providers. You set each one up individually. Perhaps using names like Astraweb US and Astraweb EU to easily differentiate between them in your newsreader. If you run into any completion issues take a look at our Astraweb completion tips post from last summer.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest specials.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: Astraweb slow, Astraweb slow connection, Astraweb slow download

Astraweb 10 Mbit Usenet from $6.67/mo.

April 3, 2012 by NGR

Astraweb recently rolled out some new unlimited and pay-by-download (block) Usenet plans. Today we’d like to focus on their new 10 Mbit unlimited quarterly plan. For some time now Astraweb has offered unlimited Usenet downloads speed capped at 10 Mbps for $10 a month. Not a bad deal but their $11 uncapped account is even better. Now they’ve added a quarterly 10 Mbit account for $20 which works out to $6.67 a month. Along with their uncapped plan special for $96 a year which works out to just $8 a month.

As you can see Astraweb has recently added two new Usenet plans. Their unlimited 3 month plan for $20. Which has a speed cap of 10 Mbit/s. Along with a new Pay-by-Download plan. The new 1000 GB block is a good value at $50 considering the 180 GB block costs $25. We still prefer their current unpublished specials which include unlimited DSL, uncapped newsgroup downloads for $11 a month or $96 a year.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: Astraweb $20 deal, Astraweb $6.67 deal, Astraweb $80 deal, Astraweb 10 Mbit

Usenet Providers Pass 1,300 Days of Binary Retention

March 7, 2012 by NGR

This week a number of leading Usenet providers hit a new milestone. As services like UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and Astraweb cross 1,300 days of binary retention. We join in celebrating all the Usenet services who continue to grow retention and innovate in other ways. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago we were discussing retention in terms of days. Now we’re getting closer and closer to four years of binary retention! Better yet you can enjoy unlimited Usenet access with free extras for just $10 a month.

You now have access to over three and a half years of binary newsgroup posts. At 1,300 days you can access newsgroup posts from 3 years and 7 months ago. As 1,300 days ago was August of 2008. Back then the highest retention to be found was 240 days, which works out to around 8 months. Now we can all explore over 42 months of Usenet posts for a fraction of the 2008 price of newsgroup access.

The quality and value offered by Usenet services has also progressed since 2008. Back then providers offered unlimited Usenet for $20-$30 a month. Fast forward to 2012 and the price is half that much. Not only has the cost dropped significantly. The services have brought many innovations. Including faster speeds and additional features like newsreaders, Usenet search and online storage. All for under $10 a month.

We look forward to celebrating again in 100 days as Usenet hits 1,400 days of binary retention. It won’t be too much longer before they surpass 4 years of retention. Until then continue enjoying the best Usenet has to offer. Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Astraweb, NewsDemon, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: 1300 days binary retention, Astraweb 1300 days retention, Giganews 1300 days retention, NewsDemon 1300 days retention, Newshosting 1300 days retention, UseNetServer 1300 days retention

Astraweb Expands Usenet Offerings

February 15, 2012 by NGR

Astraweb recently bumped up the speed on their unlimited accounts to 10 Mbit/s versus the previous 5 Mbit/s cap. In addition they are now offering quarterly accounts for both the Astraweb unlimited and unlimited DSL (uncapped speed) plans. For block Usenet fans Astraweb also added a 1 TB block account. All of this is in addition to their current Usenet specials – unlimited DSL for $11 a month or $96 a year.

As you can see in the screenshot above we’ve highlighted the new accounts and updated 10 Mbps rate limit on the unlimited plan. The quarterly unlimited plan is a good value at $20 for those with slower connections. While the Astraweb specials are priced lower than the unlimited DSL quarterly plan. As for block accounts the 1 TB block for $50 is a great value. Matching NewsgroupDirect’s Terabyte Tuesday deals but available all the time.

Here’s a breakdown of the new Astraweb Usenet account pricing:

Unlimited : $20 for 3 months – works out to $6.67 a month
Unlimited DSL : $39 for 3 months – works out to $13 a month
1000 GB block for $50 – works out to $0.20 a GB

All the changes were positive and add value to the Astraweb service. We look forward to their continued efforts.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest promotions.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: Astraweb 1 TB block, Astraweb quarterly discounts