Overview
- AOL announced on its support page that it will discontinue its dial-up internet service, AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser on September 30, 2025.
- The shutdown follows a routine review of products and services without further explanation and will not affect AOL email plans.
- Since its 1991 launch, the service introduced millions to the early web before subscriber counts fell to the low thousands by 2021.
- Many of the remaining users rely on dial-up in rural or low-income areas where high-speed broadband remains unavailable or unaffordable.
- Its discontinuation highlights persistent connectivity gaps despite widespread adoption of faster internet alternatives.