A system called the American People/Link (APL) network to be launched on April 1 could be worth investigating if you've ever looked enviously at US information services.

This new communications network is an online entertainment system pitched at home users. A spokesman from the company said: "Our system is easy to use compared to others.

"The commands are simple and all you have to do is to be able to get online to Telenet."

Telenet is one of the US communications services that is equivalent to Packet Switching Stream (PSS) in the UK. PSS is a data transmission network.

The cost of using the APL service may look high but compared to CompuServe and The Source it's relatively cheap.

The equipment you'll need is a BABT-approved modem which will cost about £70. In addition you must pay a one-off fee of £25 to use PSS and off-peak dialling charges to the US will cost in the region of £6.90 an hour.

To subscribed to APL will cost $14.95 (refundable on a trial basis up to April if you don't like the service) and $2.95 to connect to Telenet.

Besides access to information the facilities of APL include a party line where you can talk to other people, a user directory and electronic mail.

For further information contact Jules Hillman, American People Link, American Home Network Inc, Arlington Ridge Office Centre, 3215 N Frontage Road, Suit 1505, Arlington Heights IL 6004, US.