I have not had to rely on prepaid services as much of late, so if this information isn't up-to-date, I apologize. However, I hate coming across out-of-date pages myself and I don't want to do that to other visitors. If you notice anything on this page that needs to be updated, or better, if you can suggest a provider that you use or think deserves mention, please email me.
What is Prepaid Internet?
Basically, it's paying for a certain amount of access time up front. As for whether it is better than paying an ISP for an ongoing subscription, that depends on how you will use the Internet.
Many folks access the Internet through an ISP they pay on a monthly basis. I've personally used NetZero, AOL, and a handful of local ISPs. Some people choose to pay annually, trading a longer term commitment for a reduction in the subscription fees. Note: usually early withdrawal results in a penalty.
For me prepaying for Internet access filled a gap. There was a period where my current ISP at the time wasn't completely able to meet an immediate need. At the time I was subscribed to a local ISP and wasn't able to do some of my day to day routines while away. Later, I had a lapse in service as I left a popular, very large provider after being extremely frustrated and had a space of time where our town's library was my most common access point.
After a few of these aggravations it simply made sense to have a backup available. So I went down the path of prepaying for Internet access.
Prepaid Internet access also makes sense in other scenarios... for example,
Prepaid Internet Access Providers:
Click4PrePaid.com Phone Cards & Prepaid Internet Access services
MaGlobe Prepaid Internet Access - Home, Travel & International use
Prepaid Internet from Tucows
suggest other prepaid internet providers
Other Web Related Resources
ESQ Software - lots of help and how-to's.