NewsgroupDirect Review
2008 Editors' Choice Winner:
Best Value
Web site: http://www.newsgroupdirect.com
NewsgroupDirect (NGD) offers an assortment of unlimited and metered newsgroup plans. With fourteen monthly plans and a range of term discounts they cover the spectrum. High retention and completion rates, 20 connections, European and US server farms, free newsreader and exceptional support are highlights of this popular and fast growing service.
Binary retention – NewsgroupDirect offers 200 days binary retention which is right in line with other top Usenet providers.
Text retention – is a year long enough? NewsgroupDirect holds text posts for 1,250+ days. We use text groups to track a number of technology related topics. The long retention rate comes in handy for finding answers to our ever growing list of questions.
Speed – we easily maxed out a 6 Mbps cable connection over long periods of time with the unlimited, 20 SSL connection plan. This includes the download of binary files as well as headers.
Privacy – Newsgroup Direct protects your security by offering SSL with all plans. The unlimited download account includes SSL. Metered accounts offer SSL for $2 a month. NGD does not track downloads or share customer information.
Pricing plans – this is an area where NewsgroupDirect shines. They offer unlimited accounts as well as metered monthly and daily options. The metered accounts range from 1 GB a day up to 60 GB per month. We suggest you try their unlimited account which includes SSL and 20 connections for € 14,78 a month. Those looking for metered access can grab 35 GB for under € 8,86 a month or 60 GB for € 11,08 a month. Make sure to use our NewsgroupDirect coupon code and get 20% off all accounts.
Extras – all Usenet accounts include a free copy of Newsrover. Accounts also come with free posting and headers which is of interest for metered customers. Metered plans can also be recycled meaning you can start your next billing cycle early if you need more bandwidth.
Control panel highlights – easily track usage, change personal or billing information, and recycle metered accounts in the control panel.
Support – NewsgroupDirect online support is the best we have seen. Their support center reminded us of a few large web hosting providers. The system allows for live chat as well as ticket submission. We submitted a ticket with our normal question regarding alternate SSL ports. An email came immediately with our ticket number and login information to check status. We never had a need to check status as our answer came back within 10 minutes. The support area also provided a good knowledgebase, troubleshooting area and the latest Newsrover download.
Bottom line – NewsgroupDirect offers a lot for the price. High retention and completion rates, reliable broadband speeds, US and European server access, free newsreader and exceptional support make NewsgroupDirect a great choice. Our 20% off NewsgroupDirect coupon code is icing on the cake and makes NGD our 2009 choice for "Best Value".
