Astraweb - Suitable For A Usenet Newbie?

[rockphantom]

I have been using Astraweb as my primary server along with Newsdemon as a filler for several years.
I have been able to download 99% of what I want without completion issues.

I am trying to encourage a friend to start using Usenet.
I recommended Astraweb, because of my familiarity with the service and low cost.

http://www.news.astraweb.com/specials/8paypal.html

However, I've read many complaints about AW on the forum.
Are there any low cost unlimited news servers out there, a newbie should use instead of Astraweb?
I also plan to recommend a fill server in order to circumvent any completion issues.
Any assistance would be appreciated!

[Quade]

I like AW but they're not the most reliable. Usenetserver (UNS) seems pretty good too.

[Quicksilver]

I have used Astraweb as my main server for over 10 years. However it's connection can have a lag giving a faltering response. Also it's sustained maximum download rate does not seem as good as it could be.

I'm in Europe and swap between Astraweb's US and European server to try and get the best result.

As it happens I have been running Usenet-News in parallel and every time I switch over to it from Astraweb to make a comparison, I find Usenet-News is better all round. I think in the past buying blocks from Usenet-News was more expensive than from Astraweb but now it is slightly cheaper.

I have been buying blocks from Astraweb time and again over 10 years but this probably be my last time. After that I will go to Usenet-News.

[itimpi]

I buy blocks from newsDemon to act as a fill server to my Astraweb account. If I decide to cancel Astraweb (but I have a great deal from them so probably will not) I would probably go with newsDemon as my only news supplier.

[Quicksilver]

I like AW but they're not the most reliable. Usenetserver (UNS) seems pretty good too.

I rummaged around Usenetserver's web site but couldn't find their pricing info. It must be there somewhere but I'm not sure it's a good sign that the prices can't easily be seen.

[Quade]

https://usenetserver.com/newsbin/?a_aid ... han=LNKUNS

Clicking the signup button shows the pricing tiers.

[tonyhag]

I am really thinking about leaving astraweb as I am always getting 'Failed: 430 no such article' and it is getting worst.

[Quicksilver]

I am really thinking about leaving astraweb as I am always getting 'Failed: 430 no such article' and it is getting worst.

I used up my block with Astra and haven't gone back. I now prefer to use Blocknews or Usenet News both of which are cheaper than Astra. Their servers are more responsive and have better uptime than Astra.

Links not allowed for unregistered users
Links not allowed for unregistered users

Usenet News has free headers while Astra just discounts them by 20% (although has compressed headers for Newsbin but that's useless if the server doesn't offer decent downloading).