The New York Times says it will start charging for access to its website and for the use of smart phone and tablet applications later this month in the U.S.
A similar system went into effect today in Canada, which will serve as a testing ground.
Beginning March 28, prices start at $15 for four weeks of full access to the website and the smart phone app.
Subscribers to the printed edition will keep free access to the website and apps. Others will be able to view 20 articles a month for free on the website and see the “Top News” section in the apps.
“It’s an important step that we hope you will see as an investment in the Times, one that will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality journalism to readers around the world and on any platform,” wrote Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., the Times‘ publisher, in a letter to readers.
“The change will primarily affect those who are heavy consumers of the content on our Web site and on mobile applications.”
