AT&T; to End Free Internet Access Program

A year after the much-hyped launch of its Internet access service had consumers clamoring for software, AT&T; Corp. said it will end its introductory offer of free Internet access to long-distance customers. The telecommunications giant said that after March 31, a revised pricing plan for its WorldNet Service will go into effect but that it will continue to offer its flat-rate pricing plan of $19.95 a month for unlimited access. AT&T; also said it began posting statistics about the reliability and performance of WorldNet. It challenged other service providers to match its performance, a jab at America Online Inc., which has experienced major congestion problems when its members swamped the service after it switched to flat-rate pricing in December. WorldNet has more than 750,000 members. Stock of Basking Ridge, N.J.-based AT&T; dropped 37.5 cents to close at $40.75 on the New York Stock Exchange.