Broadband lobby group IrelandOffline has criticised Eircom for a new "pay-per-minute" offering for new broadband customers.
Eircom has announced it will provide 20 hours broadband access for €19.99 per month.
However, chairman of IrelandOffline Damien Mulley said one of the major benefits of broadband is its always-on properties.
"Eircom have effectively switched the clock back for Internet users who will now have to return to the dark days of timing their Internet activity for fear of incurring ridiculous penalties. Broadband is not meant to penalise users for being connected to the internet," he said.
Mr Mulley said the new product "will do nothing but increase people's fear using broadband instead of encouraging them.
"This product will confuse anyone who is unsure of what to expect from broadband, having the effect of further decreasing the take-up rate in this country."
Customers using the new product will be charged by the hour once they exceed the 20 hours they pay for in their package.
Mr Mulley said the company was using "entirely artificial" pricing mechanisms, since it cost Eircom nothing for a broadband connection to be permanently connected.