# Providers

> Usenet providers for this setup: Frugal Usenet and a Newshosting starter deal. Configured in SABnzbd as download servers.

# Providers

A Usenet provider gives you access to newsgroup servers to download content. Without a provider, your indexers can find releases but SABnzbd has nowhere to download them from.

This setup uses **Frugal Usenet** as the provider.

## Frugal Usenet

Frugal Usenet is a Swiss Usenet provider offering unlimited and block-based plans.

- Site: `frugalusenet.com`
- Server: `news.frugalusenet.com`
- SSL port: `563`
- Non-SSL port: `119` (not recommended)

### Plans

Frugal Usenet offers both monthly unlimited access and prepaid block accounts. Either works with this setup. Block accounts are a good option if your download volume is irregular.

### Retention

Frugal Usenet offers over 3,000 days of retention, which covers most content you will realistically want to download.

## Newshosting — starter deal

If you are new to Usenet and do not want to commit to a monthly plan yet, Newshosting has a limited-time starter offer that is hard to beat.

- **$23 for a full year** of unlimited access
- **EasyNews** included free for one year (normally a separate subscription)
- Over 5,700 days of retention
- 100 SSL connections
- Free newsreader and zero-log VPN

This is the promo link:

[Newshosting yearly deal](https://controlpanel.newshosting.com/signup/index.php?promo=jp5x)

After signing up, use the credentials Newshosting emails you. The server details go into SABnzbd the same way as any other provider (see the configuration section below).

For a home server that pulls a few shows per week, this $23 plan covers more than a year of use. There is no cheaper way to try Usenet with full retention and speed.

## Configuring in SABnzbd

Go to **Config → Servers → Add Server** and enter:

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Server | `news.frugalusenet.com` |
| Port | `563` |
| SSL | Yes |
| Username | Your Frugal Usenet username |
| Password | Your Frugal Usenet password |
| Connections | Set based on your plan (check your account) |

After saving, use **Test Server** to verify the connection. A successful test confirms SABnzbd can reach the server and authenticate.

## Using multiple providers

You can add a backup provider in SABnzbd under the same **Servers** section. Mark it as a backup so it is only used if the primary fails or a file is not available on the primary server. This is optional for a home setup.