NetZero 3G: The Truth

I just saw a commercial for NetZero’s latest gimmick, NetZero High Speed 3G. They are saying it is so fast, you won’t believe it’s not broadband. I had to check out the site and find the legal mumbo-jumbo, and here it is:

Speed reference based upon comparison to nationally available dial-up ISPs. NetZero HiSpeed 3G accelerates certain web page text and graphics when compared to standard dial-up Internet service. Actual results may vary. Some web pages such as secure or encrypted web pages will not be accelerated. NetZero HiSpeed 3G is not a broadband service and actual data transmission rates are not faster than standard dial-up Internet service. Transmission of files including, without limitation, streaming audio or video, digital photographs, MP3 or other music files, executable files and other downloads, is not faster using NetZero HiSpeed 3G than with standard dial-up service. NetZero HiSpeed 3G may not be compatible with proxy based software or services such as content filters or firewalls. NetZero HiSpeed 3G is only compatible with Platinum service and specified browsers. Available only for Windows.

So, they are basically caching, and possibly pre-fetching in a similar manner to the Google Toolbar. The thing is, it only seems to speed up text, which doesn’t really need to be sped up in the first place. Oh, and do you see the gall that they have referring to the service as 3G?

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