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Sunday, February 16th
Network Solutions, founded in 1979, stands as one of the internet's oldest domain registrars and web hosting providers. Originally the exclusive domain name registrar until 1999, the company revolutionized how businesses established their online presence. Through multiple ownership changes, they eventually became part of Web.com in 2011.
Today, Network Solutions operates under the Newfold Digital umbrella, joining a portfolio that includes major hosting brands like Bluehost and HostGator. This acquisition has brought both technological improvements and operational changes to their service structure. At the same time, the acquisition is a concerning development given Newfold's reputation for acquiring and potentially diminishing established hosting brands.
Pricing that demands close attention
Network Solutions' hosting packages start with an Starter Web Hosting plan at $5.69 per month, scaling up to their Premium Plus Web Hosting at $31.61 monthly for one-year terms. WordPress hosting begins at $7.99 monthly, targeting small to medium-sized businesses seeking managed solutions, going up to $18.98 per month for businesses with multiple websites.
However, customers should carefully review the pricing terms. The service agreement reveals that Network Solutions can assess additional fees for data transfer overages, and they maintain the right to automatically upgrade your plan if you exceed usage limits. These automatic charges are enabled by default, though customers can opt out by contacting customer service - doing so risks account suspension if usage limits are exceeded.
Features blend basic necessities with notable limitations
The hosting packages include essential tools such as a cPanel-like hosting control panel, a website builder with customizable templates, and one-click WordPress installation. Their Premium and Premium Plus hosting plan adds features like unlimited email boxes and malware scanning.
However, their terms of service contain several important caveats. Most notably, Network Solutions explicitly states they have no obligation to back up your website data, and their servers are not intended to serve as an archive. This places the entire responsibility for data protection on the customer.
For businesses considering e-commerce, it's crucial to note that their hosting environment is not PCI-compliant and therefore shouldn't be used for payment card processing without additional security measures. They also maintain strict policies about resource usage, particularly for their "unlimited" plans, which can face restrictions if usage adversely affects other customers.
Pricing
Support structure shows mixed priorities
Network Solutions offers 24/7 customer support through phone and email channels, plus an extensive knowledge base for self-help. Their support team can assist with basic hosting issues, domain management, and general account questions.
However, VPS hosting customers should note that complex technical support requires purchasing additional "MyTime Support" services, billed separately at $15.99 or $19.99 per month based on usage time. This tiered support approach means more advanced technical assistance comes at an extra cost.
Recent customer experiences suggest response times and support quality can vary significantly, particularly during peak periods or for more complex technical issues.
Service reliability comes with specific terms
Network Solutions offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, but their service agreement outlines important exclusions. Credits for downtime are strictly prorated and exclude scenarios including "Internet frailties," scheduled maintenance, and causes beyond their control.
The credit system is tiered based on downtime duration:
Customer reviews show encouraging trends
Network Solutions maintains a strong rating average on Trustpilot based on 3,322 reviews, indicating generally positive customer experiences and improvements over several months as of this writing. Many reviewers praise the customer service team's responsiveness and technical support capabilities.
However, Better Business Bureau reports still show some concerns regarding billing practices and service cancellation difficulties. When considering these reviews alongside their terms of service, which include automatic renewal policies and potential processing fees for cancellations during money-back guarantee periods, customers should carefully review all terms before committing.
The bottom line: a mixed bag of legacy strength and modern challenges
Network Solutions offers a comprehensive hosting solution backed by decades of industry experience. Their Trustpilot rating suggests they're maintaining service quality despite ownership challenges. But, their terms of service contain important restrictions regarding data backup, PCI compliance, and support levels that may impact some business users.
For basic hosting needs, they remain a viable option, particularly given their strong uptime guarantee and established market presence. Nevertheless, businesses requiring PCI compliance or extensive technical support should carefully evaluate whether their service limitations align with operational needs. Furthermore, while Network Solutions' Newfold Digital ownership hasn't negatively impacted their service quality based on recent reviews thus far, their terms of service contain important restrictions that should factor into any purchasing decision.
If you want to connect with a local, national, or global audience, having a website is essential. Whether your site is for promoting a brand, running an online store, sharing media, offering services, showcasing your writing, or just pursuing a hobby, it needs a reliable host.
Over the years, countless hosting companies have emerged, thrived, and then disappeared. So, how do you figure out which of the current providers will still be around when you need them? And what features should you prioritize? First, you need to understand your budget and the pricing models of different hosting companies.
Be careful to verify enticing low prices by reading terms of service, looking up renewal prices, and asking questions. Some payment plans are consistent from period to period. Others provide discounts for monthly, yearly, or multi-year commitments. Additionally, some companies offer advanced features tailored to the specific needs of your website and audience. Avoid signing up for excessively long hosting terms. We recommend paying for no more than 12 months at a time - marketplace conditions can change, causing you to take a loss on moving to a different hosting provider before your term is up.
When evaluating features, make a list of what you truly need, what would be nice to have, and what you can do without. For instance, do you want a wide selection of themes for a DIY approach, or would you prefer a custom design from a professional? Are you looking for a powerful dedicated server, or is a shared server sufficient for your needs? Will you be coding your own site, or do you need a developer's assistance? If you don't have a domain yet, can the host provide one? If you already own a domain, how easy is it for the host to transfer it and migrate your existing site? Don't forget to include any requirements for email, eCommerce, advertising, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Security and performance are often overlooked but are incredibly important. Many people assume that all hosting services are secure and provide fast loading times, but that's not always the case. This is especially true for hosts that offer very low prices for plans that may not deliver. Be wary of shared hosting, where your site shares a server with many others. If another site on that server experiences issues, it could put your site at risk as well.
Lastly, consider the reputation of the hosting company. This goes beyond just how long they've been in business; it includes how they treat their customers, the number of complaints they receive, and how effectively they address those complaints. It can also matter which holding company or private equity firm owns the hosting service. If at all possible, avoid hosts owned by Newfold Digital (formerly Endurance International Group or EIG) as they have all had a history of poor customer service and quality due to overly-aggressive acquisitions of hosts. Reach out to other website owners, web designers, and developers to get their opinions on the hosting companies you're considering. They can provide valuable insights based on their experiences.
As you narrow down your options, keep these factors in mind:
The IT experts at Top Consumer Reviews have compiled a list of leading web hosting providers to assist you in your research. We hope this information helps you find the best web host for your needs, ensuring your website is engaging, efficient, affordable, and secure.
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