Problem downloading a new version of NIS while under subscription

A few months back when I was under subscription, I received a notice to download a newer version of NIS and was unable to do so. When I attempted to download a new version, it told me that I couldn't because I didn't have any subscriptions left. So in order to download a new version, I would have had to remove my current subscription and access the internet without any internet protection so I could download the newer software.  What sense does that make?  Does it still work the same way?