From: edguer@ces.cwru.edu (Aydin Edguer)
Subject: Re: Commercial internet access
Organization: Computer Engineering and Science, Case Western Reserve University
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 92 21:37:11 GMT

In article <1992Apr9.190223.1444@jato.jpl.nasa.gov> vsnyder@math.jpl.nasa.gov (Van Snyder) writes:
>Are there commercial concerns that provide access to internet, for a fee?

Yes.  There are commerical Internet providers.

> I've been told there's a FAQ for this group that discusses this issue.

Yes.  There is an alt.bbs.internet FAQ and it does discuss this issue.

> Where is it?

It is available via anonymous FTP from:
	pit-manager.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/news.answers/inet-bbs-faq

> I've also been told that there's a list available by anonymous FTP from
> GVL.Unisys.com, but ftp times out trying to connect to them.

There is a list of Public Access UNIX systems called the Nixpub list.
The list is maintained by Phil Eschallier <phil@ls.com> and is available
for anonymous FTP from GVL.Unisys.COM in the file pub/nixpub/long.
Questions or comments should be directed to alt.bbs.

Please remember that just because a site runs UNIX does not mean it is
connected to the Internet [Don't we all wish?].  Thus this list will
not necessarily be very helpful.

> Is there another copy of the list available by anonymous ftp from
> a different site?

Try contacting gvls1.gvl.unisys.com.  Apparently the nameservers are
having problems with gvl.unisys.com.  The list is also available from
	pit-manager.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/alt.bbs/Nixpub_Posting_(Short)

I am including the relevant [edited] portions of the FAQ below:

-4-  How can I get access to the Internet?

There are at least two ways you can gain access to the Internet.

The first method to gain access to the Internet is by getting an account
on a public access bulletin board system that is connected to the Internet.
There are a growing number of such systems available.  For information
on some of these systems, send electronic mail to:
        info@world.std.com
	info@netcom.com
	info@concert.net
	info@panix.com
Any of these systems is open to the public for a monthly access fee.

A second method to gain access to the Internet is by getting an account
with a network service provider who offers a "Dialin" service.  See the
"How do I get connected to the Internet?" section for more information.

Please note, although this is a Frequently asked Question, this newsgroup,
alt.bbs.internet, is NOT for the discussion of how to get access to the
Internet.  This newsgroup makes the assumption that you already have access
to the Internet.

-5-  How do I get connected to the Internet?
[...]
Some service providers have begun to offer a new "Dialin" service.  The
name for Dailin service varies from vendor to vendor.  The Dialin service
is usually provided as a way for Internet connected users to connect back
to their home sites from remote locations.  But most service providers do
not limit their service to this audience, it is open to people not already
on the Internet.  The Dialin service provides either a terminal server
connection [with password] or an account on the service provider's equipment
[with password] which permits you to use telnet to connect to other sites
on the Internet.  This service differs from the normal "dial-up" IP services
because it does not require the user to run any IP software like PPP
(Point-to-Point Protocol) or SLIP (Serial Line IP).  The cost for this
service usually range from $35 to $250 per month [plus line charges].
There is also an initial $35 to $500 connection fee [plus equipment charges].
[...]
PSInet
Dialin Service: Global Dialup Service (GDS)
Contact: info@psi.com
Phone: 1-800-82PSI82
FTP: ftp.psi.com:/press.releases/
[...]
CERFnet
Dialin Service: DIAL'n'CERF (nationwide USA)
Contact: help@cerf.net
Phone: 1-800-876-CERF
FTP: nic.cerf.net:/cerfnet/
[...]
MSEN
Dialin Service: yes [*note* it is a local call from any 313 #]
Contact: info@msen.com
Phone: 1-313-741-1120
FTP: ftp.msen.com:/pub/vendor/msen/