Finding a decent Usenet provider can be a daunting task. I've logged on to using Usenet since the 1990's and have had the chance to try out many third-party newsgroup service providers.

Please read my experiences with what I consider very user-friendly newsgroup services; divided into "commercial" and "free" newsgroup services. Enjoy!... (author: Ray Bestiv)

COMMERCIAL NEWSGROUP PROVIDERS

Newsgroups-Download.com
This one's my favorite; they have service plans starting at $2.95 and the best unlimited plans I've come across yet. The completion and retention are excellent at about 99% and 70+ days, respectively. They don't currently allow web-based access yet but am told it is under development. Any NNTP newsreader can be used; Newsbin, Forte Agent, Xnews, etc. Highly recommended

> Visit www.newsgroups-download.com

Newsgroup-Binaries.com
I subscribed to this service a couple of years ago when I was having trouble with one of my other newsgroup providers. Another great service with the highest completion and retention rates. This one also only allows NNTP newsreader access; no web-based yet. Two thumbs up

> Visit www.newsgroup-binaries.com

Usenet-Access.com
Another great provider of NNTP newsgroup access, these guys (and gals :-) have been around several years; one of the first newsgroup providers I signed up with at the recommendation of a friend. Retention/completion is as high as the previously mentioned services. Their step-by-step instructions for getting connected make it easy for anyone to get connected to Usenet newsgroups. Technical support very helpful, even for newbies. Great for beginners

> Visit www.usenet-access.com

FREE NEWSGROUP PROVIDER

Newsgroups.gs
It's nice to see there are still free newsgroup services available on the Internet today. Newsgroups.gs allows newsgroup access from anywhere in the world.

> Visit www.newsgroups.gs