In the face of the rate increases, many small (sub-10, 000 subscribers) ISPs are sticking to their guns by continuing to provide unlimited, flat-rate access.

FORBES: The ISP buffet

By contrast, many users in the United States and Europe have access to flat-rate or "free, " ad-supported Internet access plans.

CNN: Authorities seek to question pair in "Love Bug' attack

David Edmonds, head of telecommunications watchdog Oftel, said on Wednesday he had taken "at face value" Altavista's announcement in March that it would give web-users access to the internet at a flat rate.

BBC: Watchdog 'taken in' by Altavista

At just 22, Philbrook has built a nice business for himself, mining the access void left by the big, national flat-rate providers like America Online.

FORBES: Mom-and-pop Internet