United Online (NASDAQ:UNTD) announced today that it will begin offering a one-year free wireless internet service under its iconic NetZero brand. NetZero, one of the pioneers in dial-up, began offering the service in 1998.

The “free” users initially will be money-losers for the company, United Online Chairman and CEO Mark Goldston told the Associated Press. United Online, which counts 750,000 dial-up subscribers, is marketing the plan in an effort to both attract new users, and move current subscribers to the wireless product. TV, radio, print and online advertising will begin in earnest shortly.

Of course, “free” isn’t necessarily without cost to those who wish to try the service. To take advantage of the offer, consumers will need to buy either 1) a $50 antenna that plugs into their laptop, or 2) a $100 “mobile hotspot” allowing any Wi-Fi device to connect to the internet. United Online will sell both devices on their website.

The service is limited to 200 megabytes of data per month, barely enough to run a small email inbox and provide limited web surfing. By comparison, AT&T provides 250 megabytes per month for $14.95, although the service is limited to tablets with built-in cellular modems.

Users who wish to sign up for a paid plan after the initial one-year trial period will pay $9.95 per month, with an availability of 500 MB of traffic. Subscribers who want more bandwidth will pay $50 per month, providing 4 GB of data over the same period.

Internet services provided by NetZero are a small percentage of UNTD’s revenue stream. The company makes more money from its ownership in FTD, a flower delivery service, and Classmates.com.

— Marc Bastow, InvestorPlace Assistant Editor