How Many Subscribers Does WorldNet Have?

Reader queries our ISP rankings.

[Response to Top U.S. ISPs by Subscriber: Q2 2003 from September 8, 2003.]

[September 17, 2003]

Dear Editors:

Just curious, I haven't seen AT&T's WorldNet on your ISP list for a couple of quarters...have they shrunk to the point where they no longer fit in the list? thanks!

Regards,

Mark

Dear Mark:

AT&T does not disclose subscriber numbers. They continue to be one of the largest ISPs in the U.S.—we just don't know how large they are. They also continually receive high marks for customer service, although the rumor has always been that their gold-plated service is a loss leader to get people to like the AT&T brand name and sign up for AT&T long distance phone. If that is the policy, was it successful in your case?

Best,

Editors

Dear Editors:

I've been using WorldNet for probably 5 or 6 years. I'm generally pretty impressed with them, have had a couple burps here and there, but generally very happy. Interestingly I've probably been one of their loss leaders for years: I started with a $9.95/150 hrs./month plan and have remained on that, although the price has gradually risen to $16.95. Still a pretty good deal.

I think I've only once exceeded the 150. As for long distance, I've played MCI and AT&T off each other in the past...but given that my long distance bill is usually less than $5, I've switched to a no-name reseller (who I can't even remember!) that has no monthly fee, just per minute charges.

But AT&T has nearly never solicited me for long distance service from an ISP perspective, to be honest, my perception is they're entirely different divisions and have little or no contact.

Regards,

Mark