If a 56k dialup connection is sufficient for your needs, I've found that the freebie ISPs provide an adequate service. Individually, they do not do as good a total job as the BEST pay. But they do a reasonable facismile.
I've found the only category that they wane is in overnight downloading. Other than that, for 56K dialup I just use feebies. If they start to backtalk or otherwise get antsy, I just use an alternate service.
People who are really concerned about speed actually need some other type of service, like DSL or cable.
Two tricks for the freebies, the first is just use univeral online e-mail services. Don't use any e-mail service provided by the ISP. Both Yahoo and Hotmail will work just fine with Outlook Express 5x.
If ad banners really bug you, go to
SHAREWARE.COM and get Windows Sniper. It's a $15 shareware (30 day trial) that will hide the ad banner.
The ad banner works like a cookie. People have all kinds of schemes and programs to eliminate the ad banner. But once dectected, you're account gets seized (along with your e-mail--which is why I recommened using online services). But Windows Sniper just hides the Window. From the ISPs end, it's still open and operating. From your end, it ain't on your screen!