Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for Usenet Providers / Astraweb

Best Usenet Providers : 2012 NGR Editors Choice Awards

January 20, 2012 By

It’s time to celebrate our 2012 Editor’s Choice Award winners.  Those who frequent Newsgroup Reviews and our blog know that we update the winners and rankings throughout the year based on changes in the industry.  For example, Newshosting moved up our list last year as they launched a $9.99 unlimited Usenet special followed by introducing a free Usenet client in the Fall.  This year we are once again extending the Editors Choice Awards to cover the ”Best Usenet Deals“, “Best Free Usenet Trials“and “Best Usenet Clients“.

You’ll notice that we celebrate the accomplishments of multiple newsgroup services with our Editors Choice Awards.  The reason is 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.

Congratulations to all of our 2012 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, NewsDemon, Astraweb, Easynews and ThunderNews.

Let’s take a closer look at our 2012 NGR Editor’s Choice winners for “Best Usenet Providers“:

UseNetServer – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

UseNetServer provides an excellent mix of quality and value.  Since releasing their $10 unlimited Usenet special in the Summer of 2009 the service has grown rapidly.  The service was always a staple in the industry but at $10 a month or $95.40 a year it’s 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 1,250+ 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 – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Expect the best performance and premium features for a value from Newshosting.  Including unlimited Usenet downloads with access to their recently released 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 1,250+ 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.

NewsDemon – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

NewsDemon is similar to Giganews in that they present customers with a package of features in addition to quality Usenet access.  All unlimited NewsDemon members receive a free registered copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 GB of free online storage provided by StorageNinja.  All for only $9.99 a month for those who sign up through NGR.  NewsDemon presents subscribers with a very good balance of features and value.

NewsDemon offers 1,250+ 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 $9.99 deal to save over 50% off unlimited Usenet.

Easynews – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award


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 1,200 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.

Astraweb – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

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 Astraweb remains a popular choice for Usenet.  With a very loyal following they continue to grow at a good pace.

Astraweb offers 1,250+ days of binary retention along with 1,095 days of text posts.  Members enjoy unlimited Usenet, 256-bit SSL, 20 connections, uncapped speeds and solid completion for $11 a month.  Take advantage of the Astraweb $11/mo. and $96/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

ThunderNews – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

ThunderNews made our Editors Choice list in 2011 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 1,250+ 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.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2012 Editor’s Choice Awards for the best Usenet providers.  Please help us recognize and congratulate the winners through your patronage.  Also make sure to check out our Editor’s Choice Awards for ”Best Usenet Deals“, “Best Free Usenet Trials“and “Best Usenet Clients“.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Awards, NewsDemon, Newshosting, ThunderNews, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: , , ,

Black Friday Usenet Specials : 2011 Holiday Deals

November 25, 2011 By

November 30th update: the Black Friday / Cyber Monday specials are done for this year.  However, there are still some great deals available including unlimited Usenet access from these top providers:

November 25th update: it’s finally time for this year’s Black Friday fun.  Enjoy the deals!

  • NewsDemon – mystery specials – Sign Up
  • ThunderNews – multiple discounts – Sign Up
  • NewsgroupDirect – mystery deals – Sign Up
  • UseNetNow / BlockNews – Sign Up
  • theUsenet – multiple discounts – Sign Up
  • theCubeNet – multiple deals – Sign Up

November 24th update: UseNetNow, BlockNews and Frugal Usenet are offering fans a sneak peak of their Black Friday and holiday specials.  You can see the account types and quantities available but the prices won’t be shown until each deal goes live on Friday.  See our UseNetNow / BlockNews / Frugal Usenet Black Friday deals post for more details.

November 23rd update:  it’s almost time for this year’s Black Friday fun.  Last year the deals started early evening EST time Thanksgiving night.  We look forward to covering all the best Black Friday offers again this year.  Remember when time comes we’ll list all the Black Friday deals at the top of this post as they launch.  So the list will change as the hours roll on.  They will also be present on the Newsgroup Reviews home page.

It’s almost time to launch the 2011 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 2011 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 2011.  Remember the list will change as Black Friday deals launch so please check back for the best deals of 2011.  Click on any provider below or visit the Newsgroup Reviews home page for sign up details.

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.  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.

5.  Easynews – $9.95 unlimited Usenet for life

Easynews is offering unlimited NNTP Usenet access along with 1,130 days of binary retention and 20 SSL connections for just $9.95 a month.  Read our Easynews review to learn more.

6.  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.

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.  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.

9.  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.

10.  Fast Usenet – $9.95 unlimited Usenet access

Fast Usenet is offering unlimited newsgroup downloads along with 50 connections and secure SSL encryption for just $9.95 a month.  Read our Fast Usenet review to learn more.

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, Fast Usenet, MaximumUsenet, NewsDemon, NewsgroupDirect, Newshosting, Ngroups, ThunderNews, Usenet Providers, UseNetNow, UseNetServer Tagged With: , , , , ,

November Marks 1,200 Days of Retention and Growing!

November 21, 2011 By

November marks a new milestone for leading Usenet providers.  As services like Newshosting, UseNetServer, Astraweb and more pass 1,200 days of binary retention.  Some users have come to expect the continued growth in Usenet retention as many large providers spool daily.  Yet the achievement is no less impressive.  As Usenet fans or perhaps fanatics we tip our glass to those continuously improving the experience.  Both in terms of retention growth and overall value (cost, reliability, performance and new, innovative features).

It’s hard to believe we have access to over three years of binary retention.  At 1,200 days you can access newsgroup posts from 3 years and 3 months ago.  As 1,200 days ago was August of 2008.  In comparison Giganews was the clear leader in retention at that time.  Completing their upgrade to 240 days (eight months) of binary retention in September of 2008.  Times have certainly changed since then as a number of leading Usenet providers are within 10 days of each other now.  All with nearly 40 months of binary retention and growing.

The value offered by Usenet providers has also changed quite a bit since 2008.  With services offering unlimited Usenet for $10 or less a month rather than $20-$30 a month.  Not only has the cost dropped significantly.  The services themselves are much improved.  Including SSL encryption, better reliability / performance and extra features like newsreaders, Usenet search, online storage and VPN access.  All for under $10 a month.

We’ll see you right here in 100 days as we all help celebrate 1,300 days of binary retention.  Then in 9 months we’ll happily help celebrate 4 years of retention.  Until then continue to enjoy all the advantages of Usenet.  Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet retention.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Giganews, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: , , , ,

Astraweb Crosses 3 Years of Binary Retention

August 20, 2011 By

We salute Astraweb in our final celebration of the week.  As they recently passed three years (1.095 days) of binary retention.  Like other leading Usenet providers, Astraweb shows no signs of slowing down.  They continue to increase retention on a daily basis.  The service became wildly popular a few years ago after launching the first big Usenet special to hit the market.  Offering unlimited Usenet access for $11 a month and then later adding an option for $96 a year.  Both promotions continue to be very popular choices.

What makes Astraweb so darn popular?  They built up a strong following after launching the $11 special.  Those loyal to the service are often vocal in forums.  Appreciative of Astraweb’s early efforts which some would argue have led to the low prices we currently see in the market.  As Usenet fans and customers we would certainly agree that Astraweb and a few other leading providers have helped make Usenet even more popular.

What you see in the image above is pretty much what you get from Astraweb.  With 1,095+ days of binary retention, 99% completion, 20 connections and SSL encryption.  The Astraweb $11 special includes unlimited downloads at uncapped speeds.  Though they provide 20 connections we don’t need anywhere close to that to max a 25 Mbps cable line.  From time to time Astraweb will experience completion issues.  As happened a few weeks ago.  Overall though the service is very good.  With high marks for completion and value.

Astraweb shines as a pure Usenet service.  While others offer value-added features (Usenet clients, storage, web access, VPN, etc) Astraweb focuses on Usenet-only access.  The extras offered by providers like UseNetServer (search), Newshosting (newsreader) and NewsDemon (storage) have certainly made the landscape more competitive.  Especially considering all of those services offer specials priced below Astraweb.  What will that mean in the long term?  Will Astraweb join in on the extra features?  Will the Astraweb faithful continue to tout the quality and value of the service?  We’ll definitely continue to help spread the word.

Read our Astraweb review to learn more about the service or sign up for the $11/mo. or $96/yr. specials and enjoy unlimited Usenet access.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest Usenet news and special offers.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

Astraweb Completion Update and Download Tips

July 15, 2011 By

Astraweb, one of our favorite Usenet providers, is currently working through some technical issues with incompletes and articles not available.  As mentioned in a support post Astraweb is experiencing completion problems with articles in the 110-130 day range.  It appears they are still working toward a resolution.  In the meantime we’d like to suggest a few tips to help with Astraweb downloads.

Here are the details of the Astraweb support post:

Incompletes & Article Not Available

We are looking into and fixing the issue with article completion for articles at and around the 110-130 day old mark. This issue is unrelated to the Network Instability issue posted earlier today.
Completion will return gradually as the articles are recovered.
We regret and apologise for this incident, and our engineers are working with urgency to rectify the problem.

Here are some tips for those experiencing completion issues:

1.  Connect to both US and European news servers

Astraweb offers server farms in the United States and Europe.  In the past we’ve seen articles complete in Europe that were incomplete on the US server.  We suggest you setup both 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)

Standard (non-SSL):
- us.news.astraweb.com (U.S. servers)
- eu.news.astraweb.com (European servers)

2. Run NZB Completion Checker before downloading

A few months ago we wrote about a cool new tool for checking completion.  You can use NZB Completion Checker to check and see if there are any missing or damaged parts before downloading.  This can save you lots of time and bandwidth on incomplete posts.

3.  PAR files can help with missing or damaged articles

Usenet veterans can skip this one.  For those less familiar with PAR files they will help you recover missing or incomplete parts.  See our PAR files guide for more details.

4. Consider signing up for a backup Usenet account

Unlimited Usenet access is affordable now a days.  With leading providers like Astraweb along with UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and Easynews offering unlimited Usenet accounts for $8-$10 a month.  Making a backup newsgroup service a good option at times like these.  See our Usenet specials section for the latest promotions or sign up for the UNS deal below.


5. Consider a non-expiring block Usenet account

If you don’t plan to download that much or find there isn’t much missing then consider a block Usenet account.  Those who download a lot will want to consider tip #4 instead.  Block plans come in many sizes and prices from services like NewsDemon, NewsgroupDirect, BlockNews, Usenet-News.  All of which offer non-expiring block accounts.

We know the Astraweb team is working hard to remedy the completion issue and look forward to the results.  In the meantime hopefully our tips can help with downloads.  For those considering signing up for Astraweb we still highly recommend the service.  As they have provided quality, affordable Usenet access over the years.  Read our Astraweb review to learn more.  Also consider their $11 a month or $96 a year specials.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

Top 10 Summer Usenet Promotions

June 24, 2011 By

It’s that time of year again.  Time to enjoy family vacations, outdoor activities and oh yeah, some of the best Usenet promotions of the year.  The summer season is typically slow for Usenet providers.  A good time for them to offer some exceptional discounts and test special offers that you won’t find other times of the year.  In a second we’ll list our top 10 Summer Usenet promotions.  Some were recently launched while others have continued into the summer.  All the discounts listed are recurring so enjoy the savings month after month.

1. Easynews – 100 Gig Free Usenet Trial

Easynews is going all out this summer.  Offering 100 gigs of free downloads to test their popular web Usenet service.  Better yet you don’t need a newsreader as Easynews is accessible via your favorite web browser or mobile device.  Take advantage of the Easynews free trial and enjoy two weeks and up to 100 gigs of free Usenet access.

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

The UNS $10 promotion has been very popular since it launched.  UseNetServer continues to deliver an outstanding service for a low price.  With 1,040+ days of binary retention, 20 connections, free SSL and Usenet search engine.  Take advantage of the UNS summer promotion and enjoy unlimited Usenet access for $10 a month or $95 a year.  Saving you up to 55% on UseNetServer.

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

We consistently get the fastest speeds from the Newshosting news servers.  With over 1,040 days of binaries, free SSL and 30 connections for $9.99 a month.  Newshosting is quite possibly the best Usenet service on the market.  Take advantage of the Newshosting summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Saving you up to 45% on Newshosting.

4. NewsDemon – Usenet + Newsreader + Storage for $9.99/mo.

NewsDemon offers more than just unlimited Usenet access.  With a package of features for their members including a free copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 gigs of free online storage.  Take advantage of the NewsDemon summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + News Rover newsreader + 30 GB of online storage for $9.99 a month.  Saving you 50% on NewsDemon.

5. Easynews – Unlimited NNTP Usenet for $9.95/mo.

Easynews is best known for their web interface but they also offer NNTP Usenet access.  With 1,000 days of binary retention, 20 connections and free SSL encryption.  Easynews NNTP access is on par with other leading newsgroup providers.  Take advantage of the Easynews summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $9.95 a month.  In addition to 14 days of free web access.

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

Astraweb offers solid newsgroup service at an affordable price.  You can enjoy access to 1,040+ days of binary retention along with 20 connections and free 256-bit SSL encryption.  Access news servers in the US or Europe.  Take advantage of the Astraweb summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $11 a month or $96 a year.  Saving you up to 45% on Astraweb.

7. ThunderNews – Usenet + Newsreader for $10.49/mo.

ThunderNews brings members unlimited Usenet downloads along with a free licensed copy of News Rover newsgroup reader.  With over 1,040 days of binary retention, 20 connections and free SSL.  Take advantage of the ThunderNews summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + News Rover newsreader for $10.49 a month.  Saving you 50% on ThunderNews.

8. Ngroups – Unlimited Usenet + Storage for $9.99/mo.

Ngroups has partnered with Livedrive to offer subscribers unlimited Usenet access plus unlimited online storage.  With 1,025+ days of binary retention, 30 connections and free SSL encryption.  Access news servers in Europe or the US.  Take advantage of the Ngroups summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + Livedrive online backup for $9.99 a month.

9. UseNetNow – Unlimited Usenet for $10.39/mo.

UseNetNow has a reputation for providing quality Usenet service and excellent technical support.  With over 1,000 days of binary retention, 50 connections and free 256-bit SSL encryption for privacy.  Access newsgroup servers in the US or Europe.  Take advantage of the UseNetNow summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet downloads for $10.39 a month.

10. NewsgroupDirect – Usenet + Client + Storage for $16/mo.

NewsgroupDirect offers a wide range of features with their unlimited Usenet account.  Including a free newsreader and 30 GB of free online storage.  Take advantage of the NewsgroupDirect summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + News Rover newsreader + 30 GB of online storage for $16 a month.  Saving you 20% on NewsgroupDirect.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, NewsDemon, NewsgroupDirect, Newshosting, Ngroups, ThunderNews, Usenet Providers, UseNetNow, UseNetServer Tagged With: , ,

Astraweb Hits 1,000 Days Binary Retention

May 15, 2011 By

On Friday, May 13th, Astraweb hit a new milestone.  As they achieved 1,000 days of binary retention.  Astraweb is now at 1,002 days of retention and growing daily.  As are a number of other top Usenet providers including UseNetServer and Newshosting.  Astraweb made it’s mark a few years ago with their $11 unlimited deal.  While others have matched and even beat the price (best Usenet deals), Astraweb continues to be a favorite among many Usenet fans.  Take advantage of their $11/mo. and $96/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

As you can see from the image above Astraweb now offers 1,000+ days of binary retention along with 99% completion rate, 20 connections and 256-bit SSL encryption.  With access to news servers in the US and Europe.  While Astraweb DSL accounts (unlimited, uncapped speed) are normally $15 a month they are currently offering a special price of $11 a month or $96 a year for life.  Meaning the price will never increase.  If you’re connection is slower they also offer an unlimited account that caps speed at 5 Mbit/s for $10 a month.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

Usenet Provider Deals : Best Unlimited Usenet Specials

May 1, 2011 By

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 + Client + Storage for $9.99

The NewsDemon Demon Deal includes unlimited Usenet access plus a free copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 GB of online storage for $9.99 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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, NewsDemon, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: , , ,

The Usenet Retention Race Is Too Close to Call

April 14, 2011 By

We’ve been covering the binary retention race for a long time now.  Long enough to write retention update posts in our sleep.  Early on Giganews was the clear leader.  Now we’re nearing 1,000 days and several top Usenet providers are within 10 days of each other.  Hard to believe that after 2+ years the binary retention race might very well end in a draw.  Bringing Usenet fans the benefit of years of binary newsgroup posts for less than they use to pay for a few weeks of retention.  In fact Newsgroup Reviews visitors can enjoy $10 unlimited Usenet access from leading providers including UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and Astraweb.

Earlier today UseNetServer, Newshosting and Easynews announced retention increases.  The number is very notable.  As all three Usenet providers are now at 972 days of binary retention and growing.  Why is the 972 number notable?  Because it’s one day higher than Astraweb who is currently at 971 days.  It is also only 8 days behind Giganews who is at 980 days.  UseNetServer and Newshosting both offer $10 unlimited accounts versus the $25-$35 for Giganews.  Given the difference in price and latest retention updates we expect Newshosting and UseNetServer will be home to a lot of new members in the months to come.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, Giganews, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: , ,

Astraweb 2CO Foreign Transaction Fee

March 15, 2011 By

Earlier this month some Astraweb customers noticed an additional credit card charge.  As we understand the situation, Astraweb’s billing provider made a change that is causing some credit card subscribers an additional “foreign transaction fee”.  Astraweb uses 2CO, 2CheckOut.com for billing.  While the billing address was previously listed in Ohio the 2CO change marks Astraweb transactions as originating from Cypress.

Not all Astraweb members are affected by the 2CO billing change.  It appears the issuing bank behind each credit card chooses whether or not to charge the foreign transaction fee.  Also those who choose PayPal payments are not affected.

If you are considering an Astraweb account we still recommend the service.  Especially while the current $11/mo. And $96/yr. unlimited Usenet specials are active.  Astraweb provides quality Usenet service at a great price.  For new sign ups we recommend paying via PayPal to avoid the possibility of extra monthly fees.

For those who are affected by the foreign transaction fees you might consider switching over to PayPal billing.  PayPal also makes it easy to manage subscriptions.  An advantage over credit card purchases for online services like newsgroups.  Regardless of which Usenet provider you use.

If PayPal isn’t an option and you are being charged an extra transaction fee you might consider trying a different credit card from another issuing bank.  Perhaps 2CO could be of assistance.  If that doesn’t  work out you can visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare alternatives.  Hopefully it doesn’t come to that though as Astraweb is a solid choice for Usenet access.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts