New Privacy Policy for Ad-Supported ISP

The Newport Beach company behind a new advertising-supported free high-speed Internet access service has pledged not to “use or disclose” customer-specific information with outside companies without customer permission.

The company, Digital Broadband Group, revised its privacy policy in late March on the eve of the firm’s formal service launch throughout this month in Los Angeles, Orange County, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.

Since the company publicized its launch plans in January, more than 750,000 people have signed up.

Digital Broadband’s Internet service uses digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over standard phone lines, and customers can get Internet connection speeds of up to 144 kilobits per second with no monthly service fee if they provide demographic information and can tolerate constant advertising.

DSL equipment, free with the referral of 10 qualified new customers, can be purchased for $199, or $9.95 a month for 23 months.