Frequently Asked Questions

Usenet is a worldwide distributed discussion system that predates the modern Internet. It consists of newsgroups where users can read and post articles. Today, Usenet is primarily used for binary file distribution with high speeds and excellent retention.

Getting started is easy:

1. Choose a plan that fits your needs
2. Complete the checkout process
3. Receive your account credentials via email
4. Download a newsreader client (we recommend SABnzbd or NZBGet)
5. Configure your newsreader with your credentials
6. Start downloading!

We recommend the following newsreaders:

• SABnzbd - Free, open-source, and easy to use (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• NZBGet - Lightweight and efficient (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Newsbin - Feature-rich client (Windows only)
• Unison - Modern, user-friendly interface (Mac only)

We accept multiple payment methods:

• Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrency via BTCPay (25% bonus on crypto payments!)
• Cryptocurrency via BitPay

Yes! Many of our plans include a trial period (typically 3-7 days) at a reduced price. This allows you to test our service before committing to the full subscription price. Check individual plan details for trial availability.

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time from your account dashboard. Your service will remain active until the end of your current billing period. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee with refund options for new customers.

You can update your payment method by logging into your account dashboard and navigating to the billing section. From there, you can add, remove, or modify your payment methods.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts your connection to our servers, protecting your privacy and data. We strongly recommend enabling SSL in your newsreader settings. All our plans include SSL at no extra charge. Use port 563 for SSL connections.

Retention refers to how long articles are stored on our servers. We offer over 5000+ days of binary retention, meaning you can access files posted up to 5000+ days ago. This is one of the longest retention periods in the industry.

The number of connections varies by plan. Most of our unlimited plans include 20-60 connections. More connections allow for faster download speeds. Check your specific plan details for the exact number of connections included.

We provide multiple server locations for optimal performance:

• news.thecubenet.com - Primary US server
• eu.thecubenet.com - European server

Choose the server closest to your location for best speeds. All servers have the same content and retention.

Try these troubleshooting steps:

• Increase the number of connections in your newsreader (up to your plan's limit)
• Try a different server location (US vs EU)
• Enable SSL if not already enabled
• Check if your ISP is throttling Usenet traffic (VPN can help)
• Ensure no other applications are using your bandwidth

If issues persist, contact our 24/7 technical support team.

Yes! We offer VPN service as an add-on to our Usenet plans or as a standalone service. Our VPN provides additional privacy and security, and can help if your ISP throttles Usenet traffic. Check our VPN plans page for more information.

While SSL encryption protects your Usenet connection, a VPN adds an extra layer of privacy by hiding your Internet activity from your ISP. It's especially useful if your ISP throttles Usenet traffic or if you want maximum privacy. However, it's not required - SSL alone provides good security.