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 This next year should be interesting to see what Usenet providers come up with considering how busy they were throughout 2009. Retention rates and connections both increased and pricing has dropped down to rates that are more affordable than ever.
Overall, many Usenet providers did an excellent job of providing new features and added value for existing and new members. For sure, there was a handful that kept the busiest. Simultaneous connections grew so much that they now offer more than one would need as retention still is steadily climbing. All of this coincides with our first annual 2009 NGS Provider Of The Year Award.
This year, we reviewed and tried out a number of the most popular Usenet providers in the industry. We examined how each performed as well as the features and benefits comparative to each other.
The criteria to win the NGS Provider The Year award was not just who offered the most retention or the lowest prices. Instead we weighed it with other factors. We examined how they handled customers, reliability, communication and interaction with the Usenet community. Our biggest influence was from you, the Usenet community.
We examined and tallied the reviews and votes on who you found the best Usenet provider and Overall, we found that although the Usenet access provider landscape has grown there are still only a few that offer superior service and access. Without further ado, here are our choices for the Top 4 Usenet Providers and the one that holds the award as the 2009 NGS Provider Of The Year.
 
1. NewsDemon – NewsDemon wins as our choice for the 2009 NGS Provider Of The Year Award. In all categories, NewsDemon has excelled throughout 2009 as being the number one Usenet access provider in the industry. Increasing retention, connections and features throughout the year, NewsDemon kept active with additional programs and incentives. This year saw NewsDemon give back to the Usenet community and offered programs and specials that benefited those in need. Embracing and being the most active provider on social networks and on other mediums, NewsDemon has consistently delivered service and support above expectations. Poised for 2010, we expect great things to continue coming forward from NewsDemon and rightfully earns its place as the 2009 NGS Provider Of The Year.
2. Giganews – It’s no surprise to anyone that Giganews takes one of the top slots on practically any rating of Usenet access providers. As one of the longest running and largest Usenet access providers on the planet, Giganews stays steady in providing excellent Usenet access with a strong helping of features and support. With the launch of the ViperVPN Secure Tunnel service with Diamond plans and incredible rates of retention and connections, Giganews is no doubt one of the top access providers and has solidly earned their right to remain a top tier Usenet access provider throughout 2009.
3. ThunderNews – The strongest area where ThunderNews exceeds is support. Tied in to reliability, the support they offer with their services have been steady and consistent throughout the year. Combining that with increases in both retention and simultaneous connections, ThunderNews really exceled throughout the 2009 year. The expanding knowledgebase, tools and customer related areas that they’ve begun to enhance is going to make ThunderNews an even more interesting Usenet access provider to watch through 2010.
4. NewsHosting – Newshosting has been a big contender throughout the year as both a reliable and leading newsgroup provider. New video tutorials, more features and improved support throughout 2009 have taken Newshosting to the next level.
5. Astraweb – Astraweb has enjoyed basking in popularity in 2009. As one of the cheapest newsgroup access providers on the market, Astraweb has experienced great amount of growth. Maybe because of this growth, reliability has been a bit questionable throughout the later half of 2009 taking down the level of customer support offered alongside with it. Still a solid provider, 2010 allows Astraweb the time to iron out there issues. |
PowerUsenet
