Free World Dialup, or FWD as it is now called, is Jeff Pulver's service that he created to allow people to experiment with and utilize IP communications. Originally, it was funded out of his own pocket. Granted, the service did not generally require too much in the way of money except when he did the free PSTN calling days on occasion.

The biggest news is Jeff is switching to a subscriber-supported model. For $30 a year, you can help support the infrastructure that supports FWD. This includes various registration services, voicemail, interconnectivity with other VoIP services as well as toll-free PSTN numbers in some countries, and more. The $30 fee is not required to use the services, it is optional

In an email Jeff Pulver sent out to FWD members, he explains exactly what FWD hopes to accomplish, what it is, and what it's not.

FWD does not seek to operate as a stand-alone service provider analogous to the usual notion of a telephone company. We do not compete in a direct sense with AT&T, DTAG, or other incumbents. FWD provides self help tools and information for people unhappy with the options offered by the telco's, but users will not find any FWD services that provide direct replacements traditional services. FWD seeks to reduce our dependence on the traditional telephone network, so we only reluctantly pursue interconnection with the PSTN.

FWD seeks to champion and educate people about the emerging IP communications ecosystem. Membership does not preclude using any or all of the offers from companies like Skype, Vonage, or PhoneGnome. FWD wants to help members find the latest and greatest cool new communication products. In particular, FWD provides a means to register and use the growing stream of IP voice/video enabled equipment and consumer electronics devices.

The arrival of the Internet expands communication options, but more choice means more complexity. FWD provides a knowledgebase, forums (and soon wiki's) where members can help each other navigate this complexity. These tools will prove sufficient mainly for people willing to "get their hands dirty." The reward for overcoming the challenges comes in the form of billing system free communication.

When I want to test out VoIP hardware that I receive, usually the first thing I do is test it with Free World Dialup. It's cheap, easy, and works. Sure, I don't get PSTN connectivity, but it's like Jeff says, we need to reduce our dependence on traditional telephony.

I love that Jeff is bringing more attention to FWD again. It's great to have a place to experiment with all things VoIP and new ways to connect. Keep it going, Jeff, it's needed now more than ever. What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments.