Originally published on 8/11/25

AOL—or American Online, as it was once called—is officially ending its dial-up internet service after 36 years. This change comes after the 2023 United States Census Bureau report that claimed approximately 163,000 —or 1%—of American households with an internet subscription were using the service. But what exactly does this decision to close dial-up internet mean for those who still have the service and how will this affect both their bill and browsing history in the future? We look into all of that, and more below! 

What is dial-up internet and how did it work? 

Dial-up internet is exactly what it sounds like. After turning on your computer, the device’s modem would dial a phone number provided by your internet service provider (ISP). It would then go through an authentication process before finally connecting your computer to the World Wide Web.

The service was originally invented back in the early 1990s, and AOL was made even more popular by the hit 1998 Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan film You’ve Got Mail, which featured both the online connection and the highly recognizable noises that the AOL dial-up internet made once in use. 

Since the 1990s, though, the service has become less and less popular due to things like high-speed broadband internet, WiFi and cellular data popping up everywhere, including at home. It’s because of this that AOL has decided to stop its dial-up internet service altogether. 

“AOL routinely evaluates its products and services and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet. This service will no longer be available in AOL plans,” the company said in a statement. “As a result, on September 30, 2025, this service and the associated software, the AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, which are optimized for older operating systems and dial-up internet connections, will be discontinued.”

What the change means for current users

While AOL’s dial-up internet service will end on Tuesday, September 30, the company says this change will not impact any other benefits included in AOL plans, such as email addresses. However, AOL has not explained how the shutdown will affect current dial-up customers or what assistance it will offer them during the transition. Woman’s World has reached out to the company for clarification but has not yet received a response.

Affordable options to replace dial-up

Switching doesn’t have to break the bank. If T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available in your area, you can get 87–318 Mbps speeds starting at about $35/month, with current offers including prepaid gift cards up to $300.

Cable providers like Xfinity offer solid plans from around $40/month with equipment and long-term price guarantees. Spectrum is another budget-friendly choice with plans as low as $25–30/month, no contracts and no data caps.

If fiber is available, Frontier delivers 200 Mbps starting at $29.99/month. In some regions, Mediacom stands out with a 250 Mbps plan for $19.99/month.

Low-income households may qualify for discounted plans through Xfinity Internet Essentials, AT&T Access or Spectrum Internet Assist, as well as government subsidies like Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Once you make the switch, your home computers should be able to connect to the new service, as should your phone and TV.  Plus, since you’re only switching providers, most of the time your browsing history and device settings can and will transfer over, making it simple and easy for you to dial into this new digital age. Just be sure to do it on or before September 30, otherwise you risk not having any internet connection for a little while. 

Where you can still get dial-up internet

If you still prefer dial-up internet over WiFi or broadband, we have some good news! Both NetZero and Juno Internet still offer the service to people all over the country and you can sign up from their websites. Happy dialing! 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/news/aol-dial-up-to-end-what-to-know