America Online Inc’s UK arm has not announced widely-available free-phone flat-rate internet access in the UK, as we reported yesterday. The firm merely reduced its subscription fees to 9.99 pounds ($16) from 16.99 pounds ($27). Dial-up calls are still paid for per minute. However, the company is currently piloting a scheme to offer free-phone flat-rate access for the higher price of 14.99 ($24), although this is not yet widely available. Industry analysts are reported to have called the cut-price plan pathetic compared to offerings from other UK ISPs. Market watchers expect the firm to announce its toll-free access plan within the next couple of months.
