AOL is shutting down its dial-up internet service on Tuesday (September 30), marking the end of an era for a technology that once defined the early internet experience. The company, originally known as America Online, announced the decision following a routine evaluation of its products and services. This move will also discontinue the AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, which were optimized for older systems and dial-up connections.
Dial-up internet, known for its distinctive connection sound, was a staple for many in the 1990s and early 2000s. At its peak, AOL had 10 million customers by 1995, providing a “walled garden” internet experience through trial CDs mailed to homes. However, as technology advanced, most users transitioned to faster broadband connections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 100 million households now use broadband, while only 163,401 households reported using dial-up.
AOL’s influence waned over the years, with significant events such as its merger with Time Warner in 2000 and its acquisition by Verizon in 2015. By 2021, dial-up users had dwindled to the low thousands. Despite this, AOL continues to operate a webpage and support AOL email accounts. The shutdown of dial-up internet is seen as a nostalgic moment for many, with users reminiscing about the iconic modem sound and the challenges of sharing a phone line for internet access.
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