Network Solutions, founded in 1979, is a pioneering force in the domain registration industry. As one of the oldest and most established domain registrars, Network Solutions has built a strong reputation over decades of service. However, in an evolving digital landscape, it’s crucial to assess if their offerings still stand out or if alternatives might provide better value. This detailed review explores the various facets of Network Solutions, from pricing to customer service, and evaluates how it stacks up against modern competitors.
Introduction to Network Solutions
Network Solutions is widely recognized as a historical cornerstone in the domain registration industry. Initially dominant in the 1990s, when it was the sole provider for domain registrations, it has since expanded its services beyond domain registration. Despite its longevity, evaluating its current offerings is essential for anyone considering it for their domain needs.
Historical Context
Founded as a domain registrar in 1979, Network Solutions became a prominent name by being the exclusive registrar for domain names from 1993 to 1999. This early start allowed them to cement a strong brand identity as “the Internet’s domain provider.” Today, their reputation continues to be a significant factor in their market presence.
Key Services Offered by Network Solutions
Domain Registration
Network Solutions specializes primarily in domain registration. Although they offer additional services such as hosting, their primary focus remains on domains. Understanding the core features and pricing of their domain services is crucial for potential customers.
Domain Pricing
Table 1: Domain Pricing at Network Solutions
| Domain Extension | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| .com | $25.00/year | $25.00/year | $9.99/year |
| .net | $20.00/year | $25.00/year | $25.00/year |
| .org | $25.00/year | $25.00/year | $9.99/year |
| .biz | $25.00/year | $25.00/year | $9.99/year |
| .co | $25.00/year | $25.00/year | $9.99/year |
Network Solutions distinguishes itself with the option to register domains for up to 100 years, an unprecedented feature. However, their pricing is notably higher compared to competitors, with a standard .com domain costing $25 per year for both registration and renewal.
Additional Costs and Fees
- Domain Forwarding: Network Solutions charges for domain forwarding, unlike some competitors who include it for free.
- WHOIS Privacy: This essential privacy feature, which hides personal information from public records, incurs a monthly fee rather than a nominal annual fee.
- Checkout Surprises: During the checkout process, customers might encounter unexpected price increases or additional fees, making the overall cost less predictable.
Customer Service
Customer support is a critical component of any service, and Network Solutions provides several options:
- Phone Support: Unlike some competitors, Network Solutions offers phone support.
- Email and Chat: These options are available for customer inquiries.
- Scheduled Callbacks: Customers can schedule call times to avoid waiting on hold.
- Knowledge Base: While Network Solutions maintains a help article database, it often redirects queries to their sister company, Web.com, and lacks detailed coverage.
Pros of Network Solutions
- Established Brand: Their longevity and historical significance provide a sense of reliability.
- Customer Service: The availability of multiple support channels and scheduled callbacks offers convenience.
- Long-Term Registration: The unique option to register domains for up to 100 years can be appealing to some users.
Cons of Network Solutions
- High Pricing: Network Solutions is significantly more expensive than many competitors, both for initial registration and renewal.
- Surprise Fees: Additional costs for services that are free or cheaper with other providers can be frustrating.
- Upselling: The frequent upselling tactics during the checkout process can be overwhelming.
- Usability Issues: The user interface for domain management is cumbersome and outdated compared to modern competitors.
- Limited Features: Basic features such as email forwarding and HTTPS forwarding are either not available or come at additional costs.
Alternatives to Network Solutions
Given the cons associated with Network Solutions, exploring alternatives can be beneficial. Here are some noteworthy options:
Namecheap
- Pricing: Known for competitive pricing, Namecheap offers lower rates for domain registration and renewal.
- Customer Service: Provides robust customer support with a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features.
GoDaddy
- Pricing: Often features promotional rates for the first year and competitive renewal prices.
- Additional Services: Extensive range of services including web hosting and a large selection of domain extensions.
Google Domains
- Simplicity: Offers a straightforward and user-friendly experience.
- Pricing: Competitive pricing with WHOIS privacy included at no additional cost.
Conclusion
Network Solutions has a rich history and offers certain advantages, particularly in terms of brand reliability and customer support options. However, its high pricing, additional fees, and usability issues make it less attractive compared to modern alternatives. For those seeking competitive pricing, transparent fees, and a more user-friendly experience, exploring alternatives such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains is advisable.
Next Steps
If you’re considering Network Solutions, weigh the benefits of their established reputation against the potential drawbacks of their pricing and service model. For a more cost-effective and feature-rich experience, consider alternatives like Namecheap or GoDaddy.
FAQs
Why is Network Solutions so expensive?
Network Solutions leverages its historical brand equity and legacy customer base to justify higher pricing. Their target market, often less price-sensitive, contributes to their ability to charge premium rates.
How does GoDaddy compare to Network Solutions?
GoDaddy generally offers lower pricing and a wider array of complementary services compared to Network Solutions, making it a more versatile and cost-effective option.
Who owns Network Solutions?
Network Solutions is a subsidiary of Newfold Digital, which also owns various other web service brands including Bluehost, HostGator, and Domain.com.