How do I start using 0845 Dial as my service provider?

It's simple. You can join 0845 Dial free online. Press 'Join NOW!' and you'll be asked a few details and your choice of email address and password. You will then be given a telephone number to use for your dial-up account. This should be entered into your Internet set-up software on your computer, with the password... and it's as easy as that. There are set-up help screens to get you through any bits you're not sure of.
Once you’re online you will have access to the UKF User Zone which contains an email control panel from which you can add news aliases, POP3s and hostnames.

Can I keep my old Service Provider?

Yes, you can. Installing the 0845 Dial software and settings should not disrupt your PC, and leave you with the option of returning to your original service provider whenever you want.

What equipment will I need?

You'll need a computer - IBM compatible PC running Windows 95, 98, NT or 2000, or an Apple Macintosh running System 7.5 or upwards. Of course, you will also need a modem at the speed of 28k, 34k, 56k (any format including v.90) or ISDN, plus the cabling to get you from the phone socket to the modem.

What software will I need?

Most computers come with all the required software already installed. Chances are, you can get online straight away with what you've already got. If not, you'll need a browser to view web pages. There are two main contenders... Netscape Communicator (which includes Netscape Navigator) and Microsoft Explorer. Either will do the job just fine and are very similar in appearance.
There are more options for reading and sending e-mail. Both Communicator and Explorer come packaged with their own email software, and you'd be hard-pushed to better these for general use. There are others, like Eudora, which operate independently, and offer good mail handling and archiving. Most are set up in similar ways so look for the cross-connection in the terms used.
If you plan to publish your own web pages on the 0845 Dial free web space provided, then you'll need an FTP program. This enables you to connect with 0845 Dial's FTP server and interchange files ready for general viewing on the Internet. In effect, it's your gateway to publishing on the Net.
A great place to source the above software is www.downloads.com.

What if I have trouble setting up?

The 0845 Dial help pages are available for both Windows and Mac users to follow during the set up process. If you do run into trouble, go through the settings again, double checking each section. If, in the event you still cannot get online, then you can call the 0845 Dial Technical Support Centre and a UKF technical representative will guide you through any difficulties. For more information, click here.

Will there be a set up charge for joining 0845 Dial?

No. 0845 Dial charges the user nothing for the service provided. No set up fee is required. Just press 'Join NOW!' and you'll be up and running in no time.

Is there a monthly charge I should be aware of?

No. 0845 Dial will not charge you for using its service. At no time will 0845 Dial bill any customer for net access. It is a free-to-subscribe service and will remain so.

Is there a limit to how long I can have free access?

No. There are no limits.

Will my membership after a year?

No. You can use 0845 Dial for as long as you like. You will not have to re-register in a year. It is required, however, that users access the service at least once every three months for the account to remain active, freeing-up any account names not in use. Apart from that, there are no time restrictions.

Will 0845 Dial cram thousands of users through a few modems?

No. It's definitely in 0845 Dial's interest to keep usage at the highest speeds possible, because it's for sure, customers will only use 0845 Dial if it's good enough.
The Internet connection is routed through three leading backbone connections... CWC, Teleglobe and Cable.

I'm worried other users might use the service for spamming and slow things down.

0845 Dial has strict controls on spamming. Should any user breech the terms and conditions of 0845 Dial, then there are means of identifying the user and barring access. Where 0845 Dial calls are terminated, the DTI-approved exchange holds the telephone numbers, as routine, of all users calling the service. Number withholding is transparent, however, it is not allowed on the service.

I'm a business user and don't want the world to know I'm using a free-to-subscribe Internet service.

No problem. The web usage is something which is confined to your offices only. The part which the world might see is your email. 0845 Dial appreciates some businesses will not want associates to know they're not paying for Internet access. Your email account will carry the domain '...@0845dial.com' or '...@ukf.net', which is short and anonymous. If you want your own domain, please click here.

Can I connect several users in my company?

Yes. You can sign-up each individual with their own user name and password, or register the company with one user name and one access password, the choice is yours.

What next?

There are no risks, no subscription costs - just solid and reliable Internet access for the cost of a local call. Go on, Join Now!