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21m ago

AOL Shuts Down Dial-Up Internet After Three Decades

The company cites a routine product review, leaving remaining users in underserved areas to seek alternatives.

An ad for free email is seen on the AOL website on Aug. 2, 2006.

Overview

  • The shutdown takes effect Sept. 30, removing dial-up from AOL plans and retiring the AOL Dialer and AOL Shield browser.
  • AOL characterized the decision as the result of a routine review of its products and services.
  • Estimates of remaining dial-up users vary widely, from as many as 163,000 per recent U.S. Census data to a 2023 government estimate near 300,000.
  • CNBC reporting indicated only a few thousand customers were still paying for AOL dial-up access.
  • AOL continues to operate other offerings, including email and paid technical support and identity-protection services.