I didn't know that Nintendo actually started charging for it!
When I got my Wii (1st day of release) and downloaded the Internet Channel it did mention that it was "currently free" Why anyone would actually pay to use the sub-standard system is beyond me. It's pretty awful to use with the Wii remote.
Nintendo should release a keyboard with a track-ball type mouse for it, that would make the experience far more enjoyable/usable.